Audlem History | Drawing the Street

Remembering a Gentleman

Audlem is quite the beauty spot with its canals, painted narrow boats and mix of historic buildings. We took all our visiting relations there when we lived in Alsager and later on from Whitmore; it was a great destination any time of year. We had all grown to love this place so it was an easy choice to draw the main high street – some five years ago now.

*Derek loading the newspapers for the day*

I include figures in my drawings as they are the life of the street. I take photos of the buildings and whoever is passing by at the time gets drawn in. Sometimes I find out about them later – like I discovered that the gentleman here at the door of Williams is Derek Mckelvey, so much part of the history of Audlem and a delight to meet and chat to when I called in to the shop.

I was very sorry to learn he passed away early in the New Year. My condolences to all the family and the community as they say their goodbyes.

*Sunny day in August 2013 – a passing moment when Derek was at the door.*

Williams of Audlem have been present in Audlem town centre for 155 years. Recently, they have brought a wonderful treasure back into pride of place on their recently fitted antique counter. It’s such a great piece of crafted woodwork that I sketched some of the details below.

pen and ink sketch of cash register from Dayton Ohio now in Audlem Cheshire — *National Cash Register in William’s of Audlem*

There is a guarantee tucked away in the drawer with Judy’s grandfather’s name handwritten up at the top. It appears he got it from 225 Tottenham Court Road London, in 1913, which is now home to the Nationwide Building Society. There is a possibility that this was a reconditioned cash register imported from Daton, USA.

Guarantee of old cash register from 1913 — *Mr George Williams of Audlem – Judy’s great grandfather’s name pencilled on the guarantee*

Keyboard on old cash register — *Well worn keys*

old cash register — *Can’t see any pounds or shillings but plenty of pence!*

Wooden cash register dated 1913 from Dayton Ohio — *Antique wooden cash register now on display in Williams of Audlem*

section of limited edition print audlem drawing the street — *Williams of Audlem at the heart of the Square, Audlem*

You can see the rest of the Audlem street scenes here on my website Drawing the Street and Judy stocks signed limited edition prints of all the Audlem street scenes which I have drawn so far.

Pop in and say hello – there is always a warm welcome from Judy or Olive!

Judy Evans amd ronnie Cruwys at Williams of Audlem — *Happy 155th anniversary Williams of Audlem! Thanks for the photo Olive 🙂*

drawing out the best in our streets

Drawing the Street

Category Archives: Audlem History

Derek at the Door

Ker-ching! From Dayton Ohio to Audlem Cheshire

drawing out the best in our streets