Thinking of you, All-ways:
Memories of Allders
About the Project
Thinking of you, All-ways: Memories of Allders is an oral history project by the Museum of Croydon and facilitated by the oral historian and filmmaker Rolf Killius (http://www.rolfkillius.com). The aim of the project is to preserve the history of the former Croydon department store Allders. It has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, in celebration of our year as London Borough of Culture. It's part of the 'Croydon Loves You' initiative, promoting wellbeing through reminiscence and community engagement.
A Short History of Allders
In 1862 the 'linen draper and silk mercer' Joshua Allder founded Allders. In its long history the business went through numerous incarnations. At its height, in the 1970s, the company traded from a 46,000 square meter shop front and employed up to 1700 members of staff. By that time it had grown into the third largest department store in the UK (after Harrods and Selfridges). For several reasons - changing ownership and management and a fluctuating retail sector - the company finally closed down in 2012/13. In 2019 the Croydon Council took possession of the building, which is presently empty.
The Interviews
In February and March of 2024, oral historian and filmmaker Rolf Killius conducted interviews with 15 former Allders employees. He then produced full-length interviews and 19 short films to showcase different aspects of Allders' history. You can watch and listen to all interviews and short films by clicking the button below.
Picture Gallery
The interviewees have generously provided photographs that offer a glimpse behind the scenes of an Allders employee's experience. Click the button below to view the picture gallery.
The People and the Future
Apart from collecting the memories of former employees the intention of the project is also to collect ideas and suggestions on how to redevelop the Croydon Town Centre and to reuse the huge Allders building.
The Croydon Urban Room, an award-winning project first piloted in 2019, was established by Croydon Council to provide a space for Croydon residents, workers, and visitors to engage in discussions about the future of the North End Quarter and the broader town centre. Through conversations, stories, exhibitions, and events, the Urban Room aims to gather the perspectives of those who reside, work, and visit the area in order to identify clear priorities for a plan that will guide the town centre’s recovery. To learn more about the project and be part of the conversation go to their website or visit them in person at their physical shop in Croydon town centre
