Hales stores, Leytonstone

Whatever was sold at Hales Stores remains a mystery as I haven't found any document about this shop.
The manicule, which invited shoppers to go in, isn't particularly good: the index finger is too wide and too short compared to the thumb, and the length of its nail is quite impressive!

Location: High Road Leytonstone / Picture taken in May 2011

C. Hawkes, Leytonstone

Looking for low-priced furniture around Leytonstone? A few decades ago you might have been able to find something at C. Hawkes's. Nowadays the premises are occupied by an electrical appliance retailer.

C. Hawkes
Cash Furnisher
A Wide Choice of
New Designs at
Keen Prices
Household Removals
Given the typeface used on the central part of this ghost sign, I would say it dates from the 1950s (but I may well be wrong). Its design is reminiscent of the one used on the bottom line of the London Co-op sign in Walthamstow.

Location: Harrington Road / Pictures taken in May 2011

Freeman, Hardy & Willis, Leytonstone

Shoe retailer Freeman, Hardy & Willis didn't only have elaborate mosaics by the entrance to its shops, it also paid for painted signs. This one dominated the northern end of the main shopping street in Leytonstone and guided potential customers towards the "right" shoe shop.

Click here for more information about Freeman, Hardy & Willis.

Freeman
Hardy & Willis
Location: High Road Leytonstone / Picture taken on: 15/05/2011