 |
Alas, this is no more.
Although the signs are still there, the family run Department Store they advertised went into liquidation in January 2006. It will not be long until the signs fade from our sight as well. But isn’t this the way of the world?
‘Gone to Gowings’ was as frequently uttered as was ‘Shoot through like a Bondi Tram’. The store was an essential aspect of the fabric of this city until there was a social seismic shift and ‘homespun’ went out of style.
Looking along George Street, the layers of the years is apparent in the architecture. Some city blocks which have the aura of yesteryear are into their 5th and 6th incarnation since 1842. Nothing stays forever. The current generation and the next, need to stamp their identity on their surroundings as much as their forebears did.
‘Tis a crying shame though.
A member of the Ruby Tuesday community.
A member of the My World Tuesday community.
34 comments:
I love the photo, especially the lighting and the building oozes character.
Truer words were never written; the only constant is change. When's the last time we visited the shoemaker? It's faster and easier to click on a few links and have a new pair show up at the door.
Julie: I'm with you. Hate to see the old go by the wayside; however, I'm probably too much that way. At some point, we need progress. (?????).
Regarding your question on my blog:
Julie: Jane is right. The other symbol is one for the Masons-- specifically, third degree. If you want to know more, here is a website for the symbols of freemasonry:
http://www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/freemason-symbols.html
You truly are the keeper of the treasures. Someday that particular type of homespun will be in vogue again and then this photograph will be cherished by those who once forsook Gowings and those who long for the Gowings they never knew.
Soon it will be Goings... going... gone!
It's sad indeed. We have seen a few family-owned stores go down and it does stir the soul. It's not a comfortable feeling.
What a shame that it closed, interesting old building though. Nice perspective, thanks for sharing Julie:)
So many places are shutting down, going out of business these days, particularly so many that were really big at one time. Great captures for the day! Enjoy your week!
Sylvia
That bothered me when I first settled in the city ... the way the shops seemed to constantly change ... but even in sleepy old Lawson and country towns this same change occurs but at a slower pace.
It is sad to see the old department stores going out of business. Years ago I did most of my shopping in these kind of stores.
Ahh, another landmark to disappear from the landscape *sigh*.
What will be left to centre future generations?
It is easy to discard and then later lament lost architectural beauty and precious history. It happens in many places. Hopefully, we will learn from our mistakes and minimize future losses as more people speak up.
It's sad to know those family business are almost gone, many establishment is shutting down here too, but where I work now it's also family business and on 3rd generation since 90 years still standing..hope it iwll keep on going..
I really miss Gowings. There were things there you didn't see anywhere else.
The market should pick up soon, really sad to see such businesses shutting down.
I hope they keep all those old signs there is a lovely flavor to them
It's good that the sign has survived.
It would be nice if at least that wonderful sign could be preserved. It would serve as art and a reminder.
beautiful lighting in your photo. it's sad when something we grow up with is gone. it's an end of an era, as they say.:p
Lovely post, Julie. Aren't we constantly in a struggle between the pull of holding on to a good past and the push of moving on into a future? The motion can be heart-wrenching. As others have said, good that you captured this before it really goes... and go it will (although I so hope their tagline is adopted by other retailers).
Thought provoking post, and an image with superb light and tonalities.
Really have captured the light,
I miss Gowings - what a great quirky old store - I used to get my haircut there.
sorry Julie for not translating my info into english on my blog, but I think you already made a good tanslation, normaly I try to do that but I was very short in time.
Beautiful photo wonderful light on that building
Regards, Bram
Seen on My World Tuesday
Love the art on this building, Classic !!!
Is this an evening glow on a faded establishment? What a shame after surviving one and a half centuries that it is no more.
It saddens me to see unique stores going out of business only to be replaced by large chain stores.
On the other hand, cities change all the time - and there is also a charm in that.
It will be gone soon but at least you have captured a picture of it :)
I can't remember if I ever have been to Gowings in our Sydney time. But I am really sorr to see bussinesses or shops like this disappear. They are part of my memories of a certain place. It would be nice to maintain the sign on the wall as a memory of times gone by.
Jossie
Happy, Happy Birthday, Julie! Have a wonderful time! Feliz Aniversário! Tenha um ótimo dia!
glduro_marieloupe
So sad to see old buildings gone. I too hope that someone will save that part of the wall.
It is sad to see the old buildings pulled down but things can't stay the same forever.
It is sad indeed to see businesses like these end. Can't help progress though. It will be captures such as yours that will help preserve the yesteryears.
It's a shame to see them go, I agree. Change always come to paint a different picture of the places we knew & grew up in.
Have a great week. Thanks for stopping by my page. :)
It is always sad when a family business closes down after many years of trading but it seems to be a sign of the times these days. I like the way you have captured the light on the building in this shot.
Thank you friends. It was indeed the late afternoon sun slanting up from Darling Harbour.
Post a Comment