Meet Godfrey Winn

Gala opening of new store in 1939

By Jo Spence

In April 1939, "valued customers"  were invited to "attend our Gala opening on the newly constructed Trewins."  The Mayor and Mayoress would be present at the opening ceremony which would be performed by Mr Godfrey Winn an actor, novelist and freelance journalist known for his "human articles" in the Sunday Express.

The finest Home Furnishing Centre in the district
The shop was still part of the Selfridge group and one of the improvements made was to increase the size of the Home Furnishing sections by "dropping the Fashions and Fancy departments."  [Madam, may not have approved of this!]
The poster is eye-catching with its flags and stars and portrait of Godfrey Winn. (The banner at the bottom is missing a caption?)
Trewins looks large and modern with sleek lines and big windows; and "I am sure you will agree" is "the finest Home Furnishing Centre in the district."