Bristol 1933

1933 Willsons Fashion, 72 Castle Street, Bristol

Willsons Ltd, Ladies' Outfitters (lost during the blitz)

In the heart of the pre-war shopping centre, Wilsons store, established in 1933, advertises new spring fashions; there is a hairdressing salon on the first floor and a restaurant and cafe on the lower ground floor. The main sign is in sans serif lettering, which became fashionable in the 1930s, and is illuminated by neon lights. Pre-war Castle Street contained several other clothes shops, including Stuckey’s outfitters on the left-hand corner of Cock and Bottle Lane. Several major chain stores including Boots, British Home Stores, Burtons, Marks & Spencer and Woolworths were also located in Castle Street; and the Bristol Co-operative Society had its head offices there.