14/06/2023
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
With a heavy heart I must post the impending closure of the amazing Chapman and Son.
Sadly, due to the current economy, like many other small businesses in the area, Chapman and Son will have to close and their last day of trading will be 30 June 2023 following almost 60 years of business.
With the closing date arriving quickly, all stock MUST GO at unbelievable clearance prices (collection only as they have now let go the van).
Chapman and Son has certainly enriched, added character and often a touch of magic to many people's homes and lives (including my own) and have completely furnished some people's flats with treasures, practical, antique, vintage, retro and modern stock always offered at extremely fair often bargain prices.
The closure will be a tremendous loss to the community, as Roy Chapman takes his much deserved retirement as well as his hard working son Ashley Chapman.
The business was started by Roy Chapman with his beloved late wife Angela then their eldest son Nicholas and later with their younger son Ashley. They first began trading in 1963 as a family run independent fine antiques business (including exports) along with house clearances which has faithfully served both the local community and those outside of this area ever since.
The family originally lived in their home on Manor Hall Garden, Leyton, E10 but later moved to Walton on the Naze, Essex. However both Roy and Ashley have continued to commute every day, despite often extremely inclement weather, to open the shop for their customers.
As the years passed the business no longer exported stock however Chapman and Son have continued to sell wonderful, often unique and rare antiques, vintage, retro and modern stock including: furniture, clocks, mirrors, smaller decorative treasures, paintings, prints, frames, useful practical home wares and appliances, tools and supplies for homes, gardens and automotive requirements and much more locally and to customers outside of this area.
This shop has become a local landmark (as well as Roy sitting on his chair on the pavement) with the original painted 'Chapman and Son' on the shop front which sadly weathered and has been lost in recent times.
There are many friends, regular customers, neighbours and others who will deeply miss this incredible shop, Roy and Ashley. There have already been tears from some. Many of us will stay in touch and hopefully visit Roy in Walton on the Naze.
After 28 years of being a customer, and later a friend, I decided to volunteer to take over the administration of the Chapman and Son page. It has been a labour of love as I wanted to help support this wonderful established business. I personally am extremely grateful to Roy and Ashley for not only adding more magic to my home over the years but for their kindness, help, support and friendship. They have become part of my 'family' and always have my love.
For years Barry, who retired recently, also worked at the shop, was equally helpful and always a joy to see, along with many of the other regular neighbours and friends who have visited both to chat, sometimes help out in small ways and to make purchases. For many this business has been such an important, beneficial part of their lives.
Chapman and Son has always appreciated and have been grateful for the support and business of all of their customers, neighbours and friends, who have all always received a warm welcome when visiting the shop.
Let us please wish Roy and Ashley our great thanks for their years of business, service and may they have safe, happy futures.
If anyone would like to visit the shop to wish them all the best in person on Friday June 30th please do. Chapman and Son will be open from 9am to approximately 1pm however visiting around 11 may be advisable (as some friends are planning to wish them a sad but fond farewell) in case they decide to close a bit earlier.
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