Gamages

Gamages began life in 1878 in a rented watch repair shop and, after quickly becoming a success amongst its customers, was established as a London institution.

One of the store's main attractions was a large model railway which alternated between a day and night scene by the use of lighting.

There was a substantial hardware department on the ground floor which included specialist motor parts and car seat cover sections.

The store opened in 1930, and the architectural correspondent of The Times said that the "skilful manner of [Lutyens'] 'stone binding of the brick mass' is very apparent".

Mr W. S. Edgson of Hillier Parker May & Rowden conducted the auction, who said it was "regrettable the property had to be put onto the market after only a few months of trading."

In London Belongs to Me [11] by Norman Collins, Connie visits Gamages to buy a new cage for her beloved canary, Duke.

In an episode of the BBC sitcom Porridge titled 'Heartbreak Hotel', Fletcher tells his daughter how, at the time of her conception, her mother had 'a nice steady job in the hardware department at Gamages'.

A prominent advertisement for Gamages department store promoting a 'great sale of furniture at lowest cash prices' can be seen.