There will be many like me who remember Bryan the Book with affection.
I got to know him during almost daily visits to his book shop on Beech Road.
It was an amazing place which was an Aladdin’s cave of second hand books which offered up everything from novels to history books, volumes on growing plants and back numbers of Punch, Picture Post and even Women’s Weekly.
Many of the books I bought from Bryan are still on our shelves and I continue to like the idea that shops like Bryan's allowed a book a second and even a third chance to be read, liked and treasured.
Some have even made their way via our lads to Sheffield, Leeds, and even Warsaw.
I always referred to the shop as “Bryan the Book” while my friend David called him “Chorlton Man” and while there were many other sides to Bryan these two do help describe him and his contribution to the area and in particular Beech Road.
Picture; Bryan’s Bookshop from the collection of Lawrence Beedle
It was an amazing place which was an Aladdin’s cave of second hand books which offered up everything from novels to history books, volumes on growing plants and back numbers of Punch, Picture Post and even Women’s Weekly.
Many of the books I bought from Bryan are still on our shelves and I continue to like the idea that shops like Bryan's allowed a book a second and even a third chance to be read, liked and treasured.
Some have even made their way via our lads to Sheffield, Leeds, and even Warsaw.
I always referred to the shop as “Bryan the Book” while my friend David called him “Chorlton Man” and while there were many other sides to Bryan these two do help describe him and his contribution to the area and in particular Beech Road.
Picture; Bryan’s Bookshop from the collection of Lawrence Beedle
Such a marvelous looking shop. It really is a shame it's gone.
ReplyDeleteYes, I bought many books from Bryan.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great shop and he was a really nice chap.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shop and Bryan is greatly missed by those who knew him.
ReplyDeleteBryan was an artist too and contributed to the Chorlton Green newspaper.
ReplyDeleteI think he moved to Worsley and had a shop there.
ReplyDeleteMuch missed and never replaced. A really nice guy
ReplyDeleteA great bookshop that has never been replaced, and a really nice guy.
ReplyDeleteI actually found some pencil and ink drawings - Just some small random sketches - In an old book. they have ‘Bryan Barlow‘s name and the name of his bookshop on them. I don’t know what to do with them so if anyone wants them provide an email and I’ll send them.
ReplyDeleteOh lnwould love tonsee them please. If you send an email address as a commentl can reply. Your email won't be seen by anyone but me as l approve all comments and l would not publish it and instead delete yours after emailing you
DeleteHi, I don’t really feel comfortable putting my email on a website but if you provide yours I am happy to send them or if you have a PO Box address or local office or any way to get them to you I will
DeleteFully understand perhaps you could call me?
DeleteHi… yes I guess I could call… what is your number? It is just about 8 rough cartoon drawings… some geared towards a sort of 50’s retro cartoon style… I do know a book seller so maybe can post from him
ReplyDeleteWell comments are public so posting emails and tel no. is iffy, howerver if you send me yours as a comment it won't be seen as I have to approve the comments, and I would just get intouch and delete yours.
ReplyDeleteHi… I don’t want to leave my number on your blog tbh… do you not have a second email?
DeleteWell l understand but as l said your details.will never be seen because l filter and approve comments. I don't have a second email but l.am on Facebook.
DeleteI am not on Facebook myself but I do know someone who is so maybe I will try contact you that way… I assume it is the same name on FB… I can show you the drawings on Fb I guess and if you want them can arrange something… I just came across them and typed his name on web and only thing I found was your blog
DeleteThat seems a plan
Delete