Chapmans - A look back 100 years into Sunninghill History

We recently came across these nice old photos of both the shop in the 1920’s and our lovely staff members Jim Watts and Gertie Russell (which we of course had to get Robert to recreate for us).

Jim came to work at Chapmans just after the end of the first world war (around the time we assume Robert was born). He continued working there well into his 80s. Jim lodged with another of our staff called Gertie Russell, Gertie also worked well into the 1980s when she was in her early 90s.

We still sell ladders, chicken wire and a large assortment of garden tools, however clothes mangles, bike tyres, lawnmowers, heavy garden rollers and suitcases have made way for our kitchenware and houseware selections.

 

Jim Watts standing outside Chapmans in the 1920’s

Robert standing outside Chapmans

Robert recreating Jim’s photo over 100 years later in 2023

 
 

Gertie Russell and Jim Watts at a staff Christmas meal in 1985

 
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