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Anyone any ideas - Maples furniture store London?

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Trudy

Trudy Report 20 Apr 2005 10:06

Thank you to everyone for all your help on this. Trudy

Linen

Linen Report 19 Apr 2005 22:28

Trudy, Maples furniture was usually stamped with their name. Try looking on the inside of doors or under drawers. If I remember rightly it's in a sort of egg shape. Vivienne

Pauline

Pauline Report 19 Apr 2005 20:24

It is possible that old files may have been depostied with the local archives. Try A2A.

Gigi

Gigi Report 19 Apr 2005 20:12

Trudy, Not good news. Maples ceased trading after a management buyout in the early 1990s. Beforehand they were bought by Asda who kept some of the properties. I don't know where to suggest looking for the records I'm afraid. Gillian

Trudy

Trudy Report 19 Apr 2005 16:35

Hi Carolyn - my aunt seems to think that the dresser she has also came from Maples originally, but we're not sure!! If I find any info I'll let you know.

Carolyn

Carolyn Report 19 Apr 2005 16:34

Trudy, If you do find any personnel records I would be very interested as my great grandfather, Thomas Hooper Daniels worked for Maples (probably about the same time as your one). My mum has a large sideboard which she told me came from Maples as her grandad worked there. I will ask her on Thursday if she can give me any more details (although her memory isn't as good as it was). Carolyn

Trudy

Trudy Report 19 Apr 2005 15:59

Richard have messaged you privately. Thanks

Richard in Perth

Richard in Perth Report 19 Apr 2005 15:42

Found it! - in the Times online: April 19, 1972: ''Maples to close store and HQ in July''. Was redeveloped apparently. The closing-down sale was scheduled for May 6th. message me with your email and I'll send you the article. Richard

Linen

Linen Report 19 Apr 2005 15:40

Hi for that area I would try The Evening Standard. Maples was a very prestigious furniture maker & retailer. Might even have made the nationals Vivienne Yes, don't know who took over who but they became Maples, Waring & Gillow.

Trudy

Trudy Report 19 Apr 2005 15:36

Thanks Dea, anyone any ideas what local papers would have been available then?

Gigi

Gigi Report 19 Apr 2005 15:35

Trudy, Maples was taken over by another company but can't remember who. Husband will know all!! Gillian

Trudy

Trudy Report 19 Apr 2005 15:34

Hi does anyone know whether it just ceased trading, or whether it became part of another furniture group? I know I'm grasping at straws, but i really would like to get some info on this?

Katwin

Katwin Report 19 Apr 2005 15:31

Hubby says it was in Tottenham Court Road at the bottom end near the Euston Road. Thiinks it maybe Habitats now. Kathyx

Trudy

Trudy Report 19 Apr 2005 15:30

thanks Richard

Richard in Perth

Richard in Perth Report 19 Apr 2005 15:28

Apparently it was on Tottenham Court Road. These websites have a bit on the store's founder, Sir John Blundell Maple(1845—1903): www.ucl.ac.uk/wibr/3/building/history/maple.htm www.bbc(.)co.uk/radio4/history/making_history/makhist10_prog13b.shtml

Trudy

Trudy Report 19 Apr 2005 15:20

Many thanks to both of you - I suppose what I am really after is a 'peronnel' type place that might have old records.

Gigi

Gigi Report 19 Apr 2005 14:55

Hi Trudy, My husband worked for Maples at their Torquay, Plymouth & Exeter stores. I'll ask him tonight when I see him. Gillian

Sandra

Sandra Report 19 Apr 2005 14:49

Hi I have an idea that Maples was in Regent Street, London. Sandra

Trudy

Trudy Report 19 Apr 2005 14:40

Hi, am trying to trace records for Maples furniture store in London during early 1900's - more specifically 1930 onwards - I am told by my aunt that my great grandfather worked there during this time, but if I 'google' it all I can seem to get are modern day furniture stores - anyone any idea how I can find out and maybe get some info from them? PS His name was John Small, he came from Little Staughton, beds and I believe he must have been one of the first commuters travelling every day by train to his job at Maples from Bedford!! Thanks Trudy