Hairdressers who worked at the department store Jones Brothers have launched an appeal to track down their old workmates.
The women, who trained at the much loved store in Holloway Road, lost touch after the shop’s closure and have created a Facebook event – “Jones Brothers Holloway crew reunion” – to reunite with old friends.
Organiser Jayne Hurworth said: “I came across an old photo and thought –where are they all? A lot of us got married and since there was no internet at the time it wasn’t easy to stay in touch. Since then I’ve been trying to chase as many people as I can on Facebook.
“A lot of the ladies would have got married or changed their names so it’s been hard to find them and it was a large salon so there could be about 50-60 of us. I have such fond memories of my time at Jones Brothers and it would be great to meet up.”
Jones Brothers closed in July 1990 when its owners, John Lewis, decided its use had become limited after a rival store, John Lewis Brent Cross, opened 20 minutes away.
The decision to close the store came as a huge shock to many and more than 150 people took part in a demonstration and linked arms outside the store in protest. Customers with accounts at the shop vowed to close them and never knowingly shop in a John Lewis franchise again.
The shop was founded by William Jones in 1867 and played a key role in capturing the notorious killer Dr Crippen – the first suspect to be captured with the aid of wireless telegraphy. He was hanged in Pentonville prison in 1910 for murdering his wife.
The prosecution was able to link Dr Crippen to the dead body found in his cellar by tracing a piece of his pyjama top found on the body to Jones Brothers.
The shop was replaced by Waitrose, which still stands today in Holloway Road.
Jayne plans to set up a reunion in November and is hoping to relive fond memories with her work colleagues once again.
Want to attend the reunion? Contact Jayne.Hurworth@yahoo.co.uk or 07411437635
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