Armstrong's Bookshop

What ever happened to Armstrong's bookshop in Albany Road, Earlsdon? When I was a bit younger, my brother and I would go in there for hours, he would be playing his banjo singing away. I remember the shop being rammed to the rafters with books and photographs; I wonder where he is now?

According to a handwritten notice on the front door in the days before it closed, the owner closed it as a result of competition from the internet, eBay, etc.

That is a shame that he could not compete with the internet. I remember my brother saying that before he left Coventry (about three years ago) that he had seen the owner (his name I can not recall) in the Evening Telegraph. So I guess he is still living in Earlsdon somewhere. Thanks for the info dutchman

Antiques of Earlsdon have a selection of books - I'm pretty sure I saw a "Armstrong Books" sign on the bookshelf so next time I'm in I will enquire what the connection, if any, is.

That would be great. Where is the antiques shop then in Earlsdon? I didn't know there was one. Then again I haven't been there for many years. Thanks for your help

Antiques of Earlsdon, 60 Earlsdon Street - I popped in this morning to double check. Armstrong Books is indeed operating from here. Approximately one bookcase of books on display and the owner - who I am informed is alive and kicking - has the rest of his stock stored in containers elsewhere.

This is great news!! I've just had a look at the website and it is really interesting. I always wondered what he did with all the boxes of old photos I used to look though in his shop, I remember him being an "avid" collector of all sorts. I always had my head buried in the "motor vehicle" section, as classic cars were right up my street! Thank you so much for taking the time BrotherJoybert to track him down. Little business like Armstrong's are so important to the local area history preservation!

His name was Colin Armstrong, singer songwriter and former member of Music Box with guitar maker Rob Armstrong - band mate but not related. Here is an article about him.

I knew Colin from before he had his shop. He lived in Earlsdon Avenue and his flat/bedsit was crammed full of the most diverse collection of things you can imagine. It had everything from old bottles to a old fashioned one armed bandit. He had lots of fairground memorabilia and old books. I was amazed that he could bear to sell any of it. He also gave me my first guitar lesson - unfortunately I was not a very good student Edited by member, 30th Oct 2013 7:57 pm

A great little bookshop that was in a couple of other locations throughout the 80s/90s before ending up in Albany Rd. I used to pop in there regularly to rummage through the books and talk to Colin about his music and photography. Nowadays in the summer he often sits outside the City Arms with a pint, chatting with friends as they go by.