I must admit I do not have much background on Bunneys store. It had long gone by the time I arrived in Liverpool. Henry Greenwood, the outfitters, apparently bought the site (if not the business) in the late 1950s. Their new store was opened on the site in 1958 – so the photograph was taken some time before that. Bunneys building was slightly eccentric – a bit of Edwardian baroque in the high street. The 1950s building that replaced it is one of our better post-War buildings, although I imagine most readers will feel more strongly about the more characterful original.
As a publisher, I am surprised that there is so little written about shops, considering how much a part of lives they are and have been. (Although the same could be said about schools – where is the definitive tome about Liverpool schools?). Anyone up for the challenge?
My great-aunt worked at Bunneys, and I think this is the first time I’ve seen a picture of it, so thanks for posting it.
During the Second World War she used to do fire-watching during the bombing raids with one of her friends, from the roof of the shop.
Hi Adrian,
There are quite a few b/w photos taken in the early 20th century – but this is the only colour one I have come across.
This is a great photo to see, as stated by Colin, this is the only colour photo of Bunneys I have ever come across.
As for the shops/schools history books: I completely agree!
flickr.com/carrie132
What street was this on?
Hi Janaya,
It was on the corner of Whitechapel and Church Street. The photograph has been taken from Paradise Street (just further back from where McDonalds is now).