HORNBY'S ILFORD POSTCARDS

Watson Hornby, an amateur photographer and artist, traded at the Post Office, 7 Cranbrook Road, Ilford. The following are from a collection of twelve postcards sold in his shop in the early 1920s.

High Road, Ilford

The Town Hall stands opposite the Ilford Recorder offices. A branch of Sainsbury's at 114 High Road is partially visible on the right hand side of the picture.

The Broadway, Ilford

Postcard showing Ilford Broadway. Locals sometimes called this area 'Cobweb Corner' due to the overhead tram cabling. The Hippodrome theatre stands on the right.

Super Cinema, Cranbrook Road, Ilford

Ilford Super Cinema opened on 14th October 1922 opposite Ilford Railway Station next to Balfour Road. 'Turn To The Right' was a silent comedy drama starring: Alice Terry, Jack Mulhall and Harry Myers, directed by Rex Ingram and released in 1922. During intermissions the audience sang along to lyrics and a bouncing ball on the screen while an organ played. On hot days ushers carried containers distributing floral scented mist which helped mask body odour and the smell of cigarette smoke. For those that could afford it uniformed waitresses served food in the Cafe Lounge on the first floor. The cinema fell victim to a V2 rocket in 1945. It was boarded up and eventually demolished in 1959 to be replaced by a C&A store.

Cranbrook Road, Ilford

No. 26a bus to Victoria.

The Drive, Cranbrook Road, Ilford

The Wash, Cranbrook Road, Ilford

There is a personal message on the back of this postcard: "Dear Mrs Taylor, Hope you are enjoying yourself, and keeping well. We are not going home until next Tuesday, and don't forget Thursday. Kind regards to Mrs Moore and ask her to come along with you. My love to you, C. Dodds. " 

Postmarked:  30 AUG 1951.

The Wishing Well, Valentines Park, Ilford

The Wishing Well was sometimes referred to as Jacob's Well.

The Sundial, Valentines Park, Ilford

There is a personal message on the back of this postcard: "Dear Mother thank you for letter all being well shall be home tomorrow. Might get in Cambridge 7.14. Fine here but cold. Hope you and Dad are well. Kisses from Jack with love from Bessie."

Postmarked:  10 SEP 1925.

Lake & Terrace, Valentines Park, Ilford

Terrace Lake, Valentines Park, Ilford

Bushes, Valentines Park, Ilford

Clock Tower & Boat House, Cranbrook Park, Ilford