Through the Shop Window

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, 30 January – 17 April 2016

Discover what shopping was like in Royal Leamington Spa from the 1880s to the 1980s.

Using personal stories, photographs and objects from the collection, the exhibition will focus on the many and varied independent retailers that operated in the town during this period. From small, specialist companies such as Lavinia’s dress shop and Southorn boot makers, to the large department stores of Woodwards and Burgis & Colbourne that came to dominate the Parade.

Neon sign from Toytown

Find out the techniques used to draw people into the shops and see the neon sign from Toytown on display for the first time. Learn the skills needed to work in a grocers and discover how long it took to train as a draper. With fun interactives and dressing up, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Explore further by visiting the Shopping in Leamington Spa virtual trail on Historypin.