Some people will remember H C Wakefield’s shop in Gold Street. It regularly advertised in the Tiverton Gazette and these two adverts are from the late October editions in 1923.

An advert from an old newspaper for H.C. Wakefield, The Clothier, Tiverton. It features an an illustration of a in long striped overcoat and hat. It reads 'The Poet Sings 'Into each life some rain must fall' and he is probably right. But that does not mean you are bound to have a wet coat. You can keep dry in our raincoats.'

An advert from an old newspaper for H.C. Wakefield, The Clothier, Tiverton. It reads ‘The Poet Sings ‘Into each life some rain must fall’ and he is probably right. But that does not mean you are bound to have a wet coat. You can keep dry in our raincoats.’

A newspaper advert dated October 30, 1923, for H. C. Wakefield, The Hatter, Tiverton. It reads ' No doubt sir, your old hat is comfortable, but what about its appearance? Why not have something better? We hold a large stock of all the newest and best productions in hats and caps.'

A newspaper advert dated October 30, 1923, for H. C. Wakefield, The Hatter, Tiverton. It reads ‘ No doubt sir, your old hat is comfortable, but what about its appearance? Why not have something better? We hold a large stock of all the newest and best productions in hats and caps.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Gazette of the 23rd October, a report was headed ‘Devon Farm Wages’. The Devon Agricultural Conciliation Committee had just met in Exeter and agreed to continue the present level of wages. These were 30/- (£1.50) for a 51 hour week and this would continue at least until January 1924.

If you look at the prices of goods at Wakefields, you can soon see that many of these items would be well beyond the reach of a farm labourer.

The Museum has many items connected to Wakefields, as well as this coat hanger, there is also a bow tie made by the shop.

Wakefield's branded wooden coat hanger

Wakefield’s branded coat hanger

Paperwork in our archive collection.

A newspaper advert for Wakefield's featuring an illustration of an audience at a theatre. Projected on to the illustrated curtains is the wording 'Wakefield's Stock Moving sale'.

‘Wakefield’s Stock Moving Sale’

A colour newspaper advert for Wakefield's featuring an illustration of a blacksmith hammering a red hot horseshoe. It reads 'Strike The Iron While It's Hot!'. The advert is promoting a sale.

Strike the Iron While It’s Hot!

Advertisment for a stocktaking sale at H.C. Wakefield's in January 1921. There is a long list of all the types of clothing available with sizing and prices.

Stocktaking Sale advertisement

Finally, in our photo collection – the shop itself at two different times.

An old and creased photo showing a shopfront with a large sign reading 'H. C. Wakefield'. There are twon men standing in the doorway. There are lots of pieces of clothing hanging up on display outside the shop.

H C Wakefield shop on Gold Street