Dutch Boy Laundry (Bag Wash)

Further to our Capture 47 in London Can Take It we were delighted to hear from Richard Hudd who was born at 71a Ethelred Street in December 1948 and so readily wished to share his photographs and memories with us.

“The Dutch Boy Laundry was virtually at the junction of Ethelred Street and Lambeth Walk. We lived there until 1961 when the whole area was knocked down as part of slum clearance.  My mother ran the shop (called a bag wash shop) from before I was born, until 1961.  My mother’s Aunt, Sophie Lane, was married to Billy Lane. He owned this shop and the other identical Dutch Boy Laundry in Lambeth Walk itself, probably between Juxon & Paradise Streets. This shop was a front for a bookies, which was illegal at the time. I can remember as a young child seeing countless people entering the shop placing bets.” 

For the purposes of comparison and reference a copy of the film screen capture.

“Not sure when my Mum moved into Ethelred Street Bagwash but she was living there during the Blitz.  I can remember her telling me, and showing me the scars, how she was blown out of the scullery and knocked unconscious due to bombing.”

In response an enquiry as to who, how and when rebuilding was undertaken thereby leaving the premises in splendid isolation, Richard told us:

“The bomb damage to the shop is reflected in the photo you have.  It’s possible Billy Lane funded the refurbishment of 71a as he was a ‘man of means’.  He was a successful ‘ration era trader’ buying a house for cash in Sanderstead shortly after the end of the war.”

Richard has also provided us with a photograph of the Coronation street party, with himself, he believes, at the table, on the left, 4th from the front.