Historical information

R.H. Hornby & Sons, jewellers, and V. Greenhill's Grocery Store were located at 43 1/2 and 45 High Street (formerly Bulleen Road) respectively, in the block of shops between Brougham Street and Walpole Street. The grocery first appears at this location in 1893 but only in 1902 is the jeweller's shop located next door. (Sands & McDougall Directories). The Greenhill family were significant pioneers of Kew in the nineteenth century and their members participated in many civic, community and sporting organisations.

Physical description

Original sepia, real photo postcard of two shops in High Street, Kew, circa 1902. The businesses were R. Hornby, jewellers and opticians, and V.G. Greenhill, grocer. The proprietor of the jeweller's shop stands in his doorway while a member of staff of Greenhill's is standing on the road with a horse and cart owned by the business. The signage on the grocery shop identifies the kind of business offered - Choice fruits & confectionery / Dairy Produce a specialty. On the windows from left to right are advertisements for Fry's Chocolate, Fry's Pure Cocoa, and Cadbury's Cocoa and Cadbury's Chocolate. Above the doorway is a pane of etched glass reading GREENHILL 45.

Inscriptions & markings

Unmarked postcard layout on reverse