H.E. Olby Barhroom store 110 years on. - TilersForums.com

[Old Mod]

Few weeks ago I was asked to tile a few displays for one of, if not the oldest bathroom store in London, H.E. Olby in Lewisham High Street.
Although officially they report it was opened in 1912, it was actually first opened in 1905/6.
It was a fascinating place to look around for sure, they used to manufacture all kinds of products from man hole covers to metal stair treads.
They had their own transportation company just around the corner too.

They no longer manufacture products, but they have a hardware store, and their bathroom and tile store sell some very exclusive products.
Don't expect change from £10,000 if you're after a new bathroom suite.

How it looked when it first opened.


And how it looks now. Not a lot ha changed, and the facade is not surprisingly listed.




The old manufacturing plant, now just used as storage.



During the jubilee celebrations.




A press release.


Some of their transport through time



A few of their products once made.




Stunning mosaic work outside the store.



An image of the showroom, then an now!



My favourite radiator, a mere £3300.00



And a few more....



Sink anyone?




A space saving shower,



Not so space saving.



Or how about a bath?

 

[J Sid]

nice shop marc, a very long history.
amazing how little the look has changed

 

[Old Mod]

nice shop marc, a very long history.
amazing how little the look has changed

Yeah the only major change is the small shop to the left is now Brandon's tool hire.
They still own all the land and buildings and they also have 3 apartments above Brandon's.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I used to work around the corner at Safeways - Saturday job while I was at school.
1905 I think it was!!!

 

[Old Mod]

I used to work around the corner at Safeways - Saturday job while I was at school.

In Lewisham, or Newcastle?

 

[LM]

Thanks for sharing that Marc. It's amazing to think of what we were capable of right here at home, right under our noses. It's a shame that most of that talent and skill are now lost forever to the cheapest bidder in lands far away!

Did you manage to find the time to fit them in?

 

[LM]

What happened there?? 3 times instead of one ?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

In Lewisham, or Newcastle?

Lewisham - I lived in Eltham and Catford for formative educational years while attending special schools. Comprehensive!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

What happened there?? 3 times instead of one ?

Must be going for Top Poster!

 

[LM]

Cheers Marc for sorting that mishap

 

[Old Mod]

Did you manage to find the time to fit them in?

Yes mate, did 3 displays, and looks like they want me back for some more.
I will post them, it may also be an eye opener to other showrooms,
Real awkward place for me to get to tho, but I'll definately go back.

 

[LM]

Must be going for Top Poster!

I'm not gonna try and compete with you John for that accolade, not yet anyway

 

[LM]

Yes mate, did 3 displays, and looks like they want me back for some more.
I will post them, it may also be an eye opener to other showrooms,
Real awkward place for me to get to tho, but I'll definately go back.

Kool, look forward to seeing them

 

[Blunt Tool]

Kinda on the same subject, these pictures are the public toilets of Union Terrace Gardens, and the Uptown Baths sadly going to ruin by being closed by the council. The tiling work in these places are supreme and was lucky enough to do a bit of work on them many years back!

 

[Italy]

very interesting these trends,
still post, very informative and pleasant. thank you