Woodward’s autumn spectacular

Before trendy River Island took over Woodward’s Regent Street building in 2006, older shoppers will no doubt remember the “other age” quality of the 96-year-old store with its elegant winding staircase and touch of haute couture.

Certainly professional models were imported at the start of each season to show off the latest styles.

Back in 1956 it seemed not only the dresses were reminscent of the early 19th century but even the coats had yokes.

Reporter Miss Janes could only say: “Be consoled, if the line doesn’t flatter your figure...

She reminded readers that the 1800s had produced some of the most feminine dresses in recent history and added: “At least the clothes are not too extreme.”

Back then the store had just opened a new separates department in a bid to move with the times. There shoppers could chose from a wide range of continental garments in the new Terylene and wool. Strongly tipped to brighten the winter months ahead were the new pencil-slim double knit jersey skirts.

And for the very young there were also some “spectacular trews” selling at £2.15 shillings.

Among the more up-market styles on the catwalk was a cactus green coat with flattering platina fox collar.

There was also Alexon’s interpretation of the new Paris cape achieved with a royal blue loose-pile cloth coat, this time edged with silver fox fur, which was being sold for the princely sum of 20 guineas.

More about Woodwards in future weeks. Do send in your memories.

Headline: Henry Wise

QUESTIONS have arisen about whether Henry Wise, the former royal gardener, could have really worked for three monarchs after we reported in a previous Nostalgia column how he bought The Priory in Warwick (now a small part of the County Record Office) in 1709.

In fact while Mr Wise purchased The Priory at that time, he didn’t actually take possession of the building until 1727 and continued as gardener and then Overseer of the Royal Parks for many years on behalf of not only King William III and Queen Anne but also King George I. He died in Warwick in 1738 aged 85.