Matterson Huxley and Watson

I think, Prof, that it's probably their premises at 17 Cross Cheaping. Perhaps the word reflected in the window - "ORGANS" - relates to the piano and organ warehouse of Sir Herbert Marshall & Sons across the road at 41 Cross Cheaping

Thanks for this MR, I was not certain. Any guess as to the building on the left of Mattersons? It reminded me of the Corn Exchange (Empire). I had not noticed the reflection in the shop window until you pointed it out.

Hi, here's a couple of images from the 1912 directory and the 1926 directory. Both Frank Ltd. and Mattersons were still listed as being in Cross Cheaping at least until 1935 but Mattersons had also acquired number 18 by then. Don't ask me why but Sir Herbert Marshall is only listed in the Commercial section (from the 1926 directory again).

Heathite My grandparents did Christmas shopping there 1912. 14 years later 1926, my parents did Christmas shopping there 1926. 14 years later 1940, I did . . Oh my, not one of those shops open. Most of those shops ran a Christmas club, even back in 1912, but I believe in 1940, because of the increased rationing. they stopped.

Hi Kaga, interesting, it certainly was a busy area. So close to another interesting and busy area, Butcher Row with Little Butcher Row. A different world.

An interesting post has come up on the True Coventrian FB page - I am wondering if any if the group remember the plough that was on the roof if Matterson,Watson and Huxley in Hales St. It was made by my grandfather who was a journeyman blacksmith's for the company and also was involved with the making of the Memorial Park gates. I have been in touch with City Council . Be great if anyone out there could help. His name was Sturman. I've told Helen I'll try to find anything though I know we've mentioned/looked before but interesting to read they did the lovely park gates as well. Always wondered about them as I love the deco finish. IIRC we stated MHW had a foundry on Cross Cheaping? We need to find that plough pic!

About the third or fourth house down on the right hand side of West Orchard was the start of MHW foundry that made all the railings etc.

I have found mention the plough may still be in Mattersons warehouse in Kingfield Road so I've emailed them! Ya never know

Hi, not sure where to post this, it is in response to the plough above Matterson's. I remember that well, it could have done with refurbishing or looking after once in a while whilst it was on show, I mean, it's not as though they were stuck for a tin of paint

Amazingly Matterson's as they just are have emailed back! Hi Neil Unfortunately not. There seems to be a bit of a local myth about the plough. Rumour has it that at some point the owners, at the time, Matterson Huxley and Watson promised to donate it to the Coventry museum. We were taken over by Barretts steel in 2000 and as no record ever existed of any transaction to do with the plough it was deemed to belong, as all other fixtures and fittings, to Barretts It currently resides somewhere in Yarmouth I believe on one of the board member's large farms. As ourselves and Astleys are (I believe) the oldest businesses in the city it would have been nice to contribute to your website in some way. More's the pity Malc

Well, you can sort of see the plough! Post copied from topic Hales Street on 22nd Feb 2022 9:43 am

Interesting one this morning from Dean Nelson on FB - the rear of MH&W

My guess is the photo was taken from the carpark, off Cook Street, behind the Opera House and looking roughly towards the Hippodrome. Pre 1950 but post war?

1955 at the earliest, judging by the PVC registration plate

Definitely post 1955, MR, as the Hippodrome changed its name that year. The Coventry Theatre can just be seen faintly on the wall of the building in the background.