Last chance to check out shopping exhibition

Through the Shop Window examines the period from the 1880s to the 1980s, offering the chance for nostalgic reminiscences and insights into the shopping habits of the more distant past.

Using personal stories, photographs and objects from the collection, the exhibition focuses on the many and varied independent retailers that have operated in the town.

Highlights of the exhibition include the illuminated Toytown shop sign and a Lego rocking horse from the shop. Museum staff say these have been particularly popular on Twitter, with a number of visitors using #Leamshopwindow to share their memories of this favourite toy shop.

Other local shops represented include Francis and Woodwards department stores, Southorn boot makers and Lavinia’s dress shop. Milk churns, an early till and cream containers give an idea of what it would have been like to shop at Hampton Dairy on Regent Street.

A digital presentation traces the growth of Burgis & Colbourne from a small grocery in Bedford Street to the huge department store that dominated the Parade. There is also the opportunity to view ‘Our Leamington Shop Display’. Visitors to the exhibition have decorated boxes with their memories of shopping in the town. These have been added to a growing display in the exhibition.

Senior curator Vicki Slade said: “Through the Shop Window has been popular with visitors of all ages. Everyone goes shopping and people have enjoyed the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane to remember some of Leamington’s iconic shops.

Younger visitors have had fun dressing up and getting creative with the craft activities. I urge anyone who would like to visit to come before it’s too late!”

Through the Shop Window will be on display until Sunday. Call 742700 for more information.