Tailors and Outfitters (bespoke and other)

I recently purchased a Sydney Hodkinson overcoat from a charity shop. It has the address inside of what I presume was Sydney Hodkinson's shop: 136, Queen Victoria Road, Coventry. I was intrigued, but have been unable to discover anything about Sydney Hodkinson or his shop. As far as I can tell his shop has long since disappeared - possibly in the city plan of 1951? The coat is a heavy black overcoat, tailored, fitted. In excellent condition. And I would love to know more about its provenance, and also about his shop. Thank you anyone who might be able to help.

Hi Edward. Looking through the newspaper archives. Sidney was born in Allesley in 1887. He seemed to move around quite a lot. He left Queen Victoria Road in 1941 and moved to Suffolk House 10 The Butts. In 1953 he moved to 218 Foleshill Road and in 1956 to 100 Far Gosford Street. I can find no mention of him after that so he must have stayed there. He died in 1974. It must be a very good quality coat!

Wow. Thank you so much for your response. That is really helpful. I'm very pleased to know a little more about Sidney Hodkinson. But - if the label is to be believed, and I suppose there's no reason not to believe it - somewhat surprised that the coat might be over 70 years old! You're right, it is a very good quality coat Thank you again.

Hi edwardpillar So pleased that you are enjoying our forum. It's good on here, hey. Best wishes.

Sad to report that Kenny Menswear (established 1952) on the Foleshill Road has closed. Looking through the shutters I think it is likely to become a jewellery shop. Last time I was in there 'Kenny' said he was struggling to find somebody to take over the business which he ran mostly singlehandedly and was getting too much for him. Peter.

Anyone know where a T C Palmer Tailors were? WW1 era possibly? Edited by member, 17th Mar 2020 10:49 am

Short answer 'no'. Long answer 'noooooooo'. Link to 1912 directory page 116/109 )book's pagination) Some Palmers but no tailors and no T C. There are two Miss Palmers, drapers in the Drinkwater Arcade. A brother perhaps? Edited by member, 17th Mar 2020 12:44 pm

Any ideas on this one then Helen? I just searched on Maypole on your Kelly's link and it says there was a Maypole Diary Shop at No.16 Market Street? Could it be there in which case it’s a rare image! (and would need moving threads sorry!)

Gut reaction is it's Broadgate (see arch) west side, or possibly Cross Cheaping same side. Back opening to the market? It is Broadgate. I'll try and find a suitable picture. It's a very good image though. Edited by member, 17th Mar 2020 2:17 pm

Yes I thought that initially or LPS east side but cannot see any matches so far.

TC Palmer, next door to Slingsby on the left

The TC Palmer building and the Maypole were 'newbuild', erected after the Castle Inn was removed. Although they could just be re-fronted and the bones might have been the old inn.

Foster Bros. Edited by member, 5th Oct 2020 11:27 pm

Statham & ? in the side of the Bank Buildings, top Hertford St. had military badges.

Statham & Fensom