Catalogue description WALTER COBB LTD

This collection includes deeds, correspondence, financial material, photographs and miscellaneous items

See also A82/6, A83/28 and A87/10.

Walter Cobb Ltd, 1861 - 1981, Sydenham, general drapery establishment

Open, unless otherwise stated

The following items were received from Mr D. Blake, General Manager, Cobbs of Sydenham, Kirkdale, SE 26, in 1981

Walter Cobb Ltd, began as a ladies' outfitters at Kirkdale, Sydenham, in 1861, being described as a General Drapery Establishment in 1862, which sold dresses, shawls and mantles, millinery and family mourning. Cobb's advertisement claimed he stocked all the latest fashions from London and Paris. The business premises expanded, occupying 18-24 Kirkdale in 1894, 5-9, 14-22 Kirkdale in 1921. By this time the company had branched out as an undertakers and also sold furniture, having a furniture depository at Silverdale. It also provided restaurant facilities. It was incorporated as a private company in 1912. It was bombed during World War II and rebuilding was not finally completed until 1960. In these post war years, the firm diversified and sold menswear and hardwear as well as their established products. The firm closed in 1981.

This archive has much relating to the expansion of Cobbs and the post war reconstruction.

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