HA Howard & Sons Ltd, Day and Evening Wear, gable end sign,Ghost signage,Ducie Street, Manchester, M1
Image details
Contributor:
Tony Smith / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2J880DYFile size:
57.1 MB (2.8 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3648 x 5472 px | 30.9 x 46.3 cm | 12.2 x 18.2 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
13 May 2022Location:
Ducie Street, Manchester, M1More information:
In presentations I have (mistakenly) cited the phrase ‘Gileric Gowns’ as an archaic term that has fallen out of favour, alongside others such as ‘Calicoes’ and ‘Flannelettes’. In fact ‘Gileric’ was a label, or brand, within the H.A. Howard & Sons stable of products. In comments under this blog post, a descendent of the Howard family states that the word was formed by the conjunction of Gil and Eric, two brothers that ran the business started by their father H.A. Howard. (Any association with Eric Gill is entirely coincidental!) An additional comment remarks that the sign itself was uncovered in 1991, which would partially explain its good condition. However, it has almost certainly been repainted since then. The building, a former lead works known at Junction Works, was Grade II listed in 1994, and a photograph that accompanies this listing on HIstoric England shows very fresh paintwork in place. The listing also states that there was a “conversion in progress at time of survey” and my hunch is that the developers took the decision to retouch the sign, which would fit with a 1991 (re)discovery as part of the same works. (It would appear that not all new residents were entirely happy with the new flats!) The firm itself was incorporated in the late 1940s, although prior to this the premises were occupied by Howard Alex. and Co, blouse manufacturers, which seems likely to have been related, perhaps under a different ownership structure. They remained in business until the 1980s, although from 1970 renamed themselves as HA Howard and Sons (Gileric), emphasising what was clearly their flagship product.