When Mr Harry Downey retired from running Bailey Shoe Repairs, the Oxford Mail reported Shoe Repair Shop Ties up Trade.
Sorry to say that Harry is no longer with us and his funeral is at 2pm on Monday 24 February in St Helens Church – all are welcome. Thanks to Elizabeth for three pictures taken when Harry was nearing retirement in March 2010.
Bailey’s opened in 1903 and celebrated 100 years of customer satisfaction in 2003.
They were located in what was the site of the stables behind the Rising Sun Hotel – now Barclays Bank.
Harry joined Baileys at age 15, became the owner in 1984, and retired in 2010 at the age of 70.
Sad news indeed, he did a wonderful repair of some very unusual shoes many years ago….they are still in a good state thanks to him.
Knew Harry well, would stop and chat to him in the street and used his excellent services, good man, sorry to hear.
Abingdon had quite a few of these idiosyncratic businesses.
I have just one photo
http://www.abingdonwalks.co.uk/album/albums/userpics/10001/s_baileysshoesbathstreet.jpg
Quirky businessman and great character. If he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t serve you. But when you needed something done he and his partner were brilliant.
Very sad to hear that news. God rest his sole xx
I remember, purchasing a leather jacket (many years ago),
I needed a few popper studs adding, someone told me to visit there. He had a hand press and studs of all sizes, soon fitted them…He did a lot of work on Dads older shoes, kept them soled and heeled for years….
He’ll be missed (NPI). Well done the Blog for this item!
What a sad loss, I bought a little white Metro van off Harry in the early 90’s when I lived in Mayotts Road.
Does anyone have a contact for family/friends of Harry?
I was doing a photo project in his workshop, but never got to finish it since his sad passing 🙁
I’m trying to find out who owns/rents the building, so I can ask about access to complete my work if poss
Plus, I’m sure there’s items in there that would be if interest to Abingdon Museum – I’d hate to think it’ll all be skipped
Barclays Bank have apparently sold it and Harry’s executor was particularly helpful, so any help would be much appreciate please – feel free to email me