23 May 2008

Mapstone

The mystery of Mapstone

If anyone can shed any light on what this building was before or the meaning of 'Mapstone', I'd be ever so grateful.

This building is on Ladywell Walk in the Chinese Quarter. The businesses at the bottom of the photo are Thai and Cantonese restaurants.

Officially recognised in the 1980s, the Chinese Quarter is an unofficial section of Birmingham with a large number of Chinese restaurants, clubs and organisations. The Chinese population was initially due to immigrants after the Second World War. Birmingham's first Chinese restaurant, Tong Kung, opened in 1956 at Holloway Head.

45 comments:

Jane Hards Photography said...

This is completely ne to me. Would not have known which city, nevermind area this was.

I have friends at Sanwell council so I will see if they can shed some light on this. I am aslo going to poinnt them in the direction of your sterling work here. You really are doing a great job and I am going to mention you in my next post.

Shutterspy said...

Wow! Thanks so much!!! :-D

It could really do with some publicity, although it did manage about fifteen visitors yesterday :-D

Unknown said...

The building was the premises of the Mapstone Tool Co. Ltd. owned by Frank Arthur Mapstone, a distant relative of mine.The company was wound up on the 11th May 1920.

Unknown said...

I must apologise as the Mapstone Tool Co. Ltd. was in Lower Loveday Street. Looking closely at the photograph there is a 'M' before the Mapstone so this will be Michael Mapstone- Newsagent , and Bookseller. I was told that the name was prominently displayed at the top of their tall business premises in High Street,Birmingham. Could Ladywell Walk have originally been High Street?

Unknown said...

The retail business closed before 1939, but the firm carried on as wholesalers and newspaper distributors -the only ones then in B'ham apart from W.H.S.
They moved to Wrottesley Street, but I don't know if they still exist.

Shutterspy said...

Many thanks for your resoponse! Although, if it was supposed to be located in High Street, I don't think it can be: although it matches the description, High Street is where Marks & Spencer and WHSmith are now (unless there were two High Streets).

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Checking with the old telephone directories it was the retail business of Newsagents that was at 52 High Street, and it was the wholesale business in Ladywell Walk.

Bergson said...

Hello I have a blog for the tutoriels that asks me my friends.

To increase the photographs



I excuse myself but I thus speak very badly English the explanation is in French;

but there are images which are in several languages

Unknown said...

I would very much like to add this photo to my Mapstone Genealogical web site, as it would be of great interest to the Mapstones world wide. Would you please be able to give me permission to do this?

Shutterspy said...

It'll probably be okay, but could I please see the website first? :)

Unknown said...

The web site is www.mapstone.org

Shutterspy said...

I don't see why not :)

Would you mind including with it a small link to this site?

Unknown said...

Thank you, I will add a note that the photo is courtesy of Birmingham Daily Photo with a link to the site

Shutterspy said...

Okay. Thanks :-D

It's nice to know that someone actually wants to use my photos! :)

Theresa said...

Hi, I just found this and wanted to let you know that I actually worked at Mapstone's from 1976 to 1979. Mr Michael was a lovely boss and it was a nice place to work. The company closed down during the 1980's.

shiners said...

I have an actual black and white original framed pcture of m.mapstone ltd, and its next to the mews theatre and ansells brewery then, with all the trams outside!
Fantastic to look at!

Anonymous said...

M.Mapstone ltd was a newspaper wholesalers based on Wrottesley st thet ceased trading in 1989 after being sold to wh smith ltd

Mapstone said...

I used to work at M.Mapstone Ltd for nearly 30 years until it closed
in 1988. It was the largest family owned Wholesale distributors in the UK. It distributed to Newsagents in the South side of Birmingham,
Birmingham was divided into sections for the main distributors
WH Smith, Aston & Taylors and M.apstone. The business originated in
Bristol in the 19th Century, moved to High Street, Birmingham in 1906.
They owned their own garage in Pershore Street, along side the skating
rink and a tenpin bowling alley some years ago. It was a very busy
area for the Newspaper distributors at that time, the Newspapers used
to be collected from the old New Street Station. Business ceased
in 1988. I was the last member of staff to leave. I knew the owner
very well, Mr. Michael Mapstone, he passed away 2003, his Sister and
last of the Mapstones passed away last year.

Anonymous said...

Really interested to see this as a Mapstone descendant. Thanks for posting the picture and to the commentators.

Unknown said...

Hi there,

My mum used to work at Mapstones for a few years before it closed and seeing your post she's listing everyone she knew there. She loved it.Her names Patricia Rose David, you might remember her?

Mapstone said...

Following my previous comments, 'Hi to anyone that was an employee at M.Mapstone Ltd. I have lost contact with almost everyone that worked there. I was employed there from 1959 up to 1988 when it was closed. Michael and Barbara Mapstone i knew very well as close friends, they have sadly passed away now.
In response to the previous commentator i did know Pat, i would think
she would have known me to, ie Mike Hill.

Alison Milroy said...

I was just looking for a photo of the old Mapstones building for my Dad- Ian Milroy- who was the MD for Mapstones right at the end!
I remember being allowed to browse the stock floor sometimes on a Saturday and pinch a copy of "Bunty" (I can probably admit to that now...)
So lovely to see all your comments, yes Michael was a lovely man as was Barbara whose funeral I attended with my sister (in Cheltenham) on behalf of the family.
Best wishes to everyone.
Alison x

N Mann said...

Used to work at this place M Mapstones until September 1988 when it final shut done as a New Paper Wholesaler, Ground floor was the sorting rooms for daily deliveries, 2nd floor was sales, top floor was for returns, absolutely loved the place. My dad also worked there from late 60's till it's close and 2 of my uncles. Lots of fond memories,, especially going to the Fox for a drink just over the road

Mapstone said...

Anyone who would like to contact me, old collegues regarding Mapstones, i would love to hear from You. EMail - mhillmike1@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Maybe I can add further to the Mapstone file as I worked there (Wrottesley St) as news sales rep. until 1969 when I joined the Daily Express. (Thankful to Michael Mapstone for his good reference). The News Manager was Albert Dilloway assisted by John Raplh, with Peter Fisher as sales rep. also. Prior to "rationalisation" in the wholesale news trade, Mapstones shared the business with WHSmith and Aston & Taylors across all of the greater Birmingham area. The rationalisation saw Mapstones covering only the south, until finally 99% of national trade is done by Smiths News (now seperate from WHS) & John Menzies.
The Night Manager was Cliff Fleet but regretably many names and faces are disappearing into the mist of time. I do remember a young girl Pat Greer from the Account Dept, having pushed a door open in the dark passage and knocking her flying.

Unknown said...

Sorry, I wrote the previous comment. My Name is Mike Latham.

Mapstone said...

Hi Mike Latham, noticed your comments when you worked at Mapstones, do you
remember Asst. News Manager to Albert Dilloway, Tom Hardwick. And Mapstones
gen.Sec. Bill Habberley at that time. Mike Hill

Anonymous said...

Hello, I also worked at Mapstones from 1972 until the end'
I worked in the showroom
I remember Albert Dilloway, John Ralph, Joan Myatt Mr Mapstones
secretary Kath Deffley who passed away last year and Mike Hill

Also directors Mr Milroy, Mr Thorpe, Mr Habberley when he left Mr
Grey took over his job.

Mr Owen Mrs Marsden Mr Britten Terry Mason Dorothy Pitt from the accounts office,

Reps I remember Dave Appleby, Roger Newman Keith Bayliss and Terry Mason before he moved to the accounts

Gus Ward, John Fisher, Jimmy Jorden, Charlie and Paul Fisher, and
George Williams from nights
Ron Pratt from returns his wife worked in the office.

Happy days

norman cowell said...

worked at mapstones from 1967-1971 i was the cheeky chap who sat behind mike hill in the big office barbara my soon to be wife worked in accounts with mr owen mr healey and know all florrie.micks associate was reg matthews.my progress was to move to mrs pembertons desk when she retired[lovely lady] in front of me was office manager doug williams behind me was joan hill and many lovely ladies.news manager was albert dilloway asst.john ralph[who never got told anything]in the pigeon hole was joan.gus ward was night manager and joan myatt[lovely lady]was secretary.mr micheal was a goood guy as was mr milroy who came to work 1970.habberley and thorpe were behind the times.ron pratt run upstairs.good times and lots of happy memories afew run ins with albert but forgotten next day[he was always under a great deal of pressure]and as nobody else new every time there was a match at wembley iwould receive a parcel on my desk for albert with 2 tickets for the match.norman.e mail cowell778@btinternet.com.

Jim jordan said...

Hi all I worked at Mapstone from 1960 to 1988 .
I was the last Night Manager there when WH Smith took us over.
WHS gave me a job along with John Fisher and Pat MCCartan .
I recall a lot of the names mentioned above.
Mr Micheal Mapstone was a marvellous Boss a very generous person too.
He treated every worked with respect and loyalty.
I remember Brian Mann Dave Appleby I still have a book with all the names of workmates
My Name is Jim Jordan

Jim Jordan said...

Hi Jim Jordan here again .
Well when I talk about working at Mapstone wholesale News.
It was rough doing Nights 6Nights a week for 28 Years.
We worked in All Weathers going to New St Station to unload the Papers on 3am Train.
Then on Rail Strikes meeting the Coaches on Ringway Papers never stopped.
Even in 1962 we had to wait till 10am for 3amTrain got hoe 12pm .
Then we were back in same night at 8pm to pack mags..
Mr Mapstone gave us all a Xmas Hamper as well as Xmas Bonus (got one in July too).
Has anyone got any photos of those days of staff particularly Packing Area.

michael latham said...

Jim Jordan's postings have stirred the grey cells again. I know what Jim is talking about the night packing operation. I got to know Mr. Michael during my time with the Birmingham Planet (!) and when it folded he gave me the job as News rep together with Pete Fisher and Bill Weight (who ran the West Bromwich branch office). The Sunday newspaper packing responsibility was taken in turn by us at Wrottesley St, locking up and going to West Brom so we could sort any packing errors and the "fill-in" service until lunchtime.
Quite often Mr.Michael would turn up as we cooking our breakfast, then he would insist on loading the boot of his blue Mercedes with spare papers and drive around calling on the West Bromwish retailers with me as the "runner" unless he wanted to chat. Great days.

Mapstone said...

Michael Mapstone - It was really nice to read so many comments regarding Michael, his life was all about Mapstones, when he took over from his Father
Geofrey Mapstone to run the business at Wrottesley Street, he put all his
time 24-7 into the place. His family had built up a good Distribution business from the early days in Bristol, to High Street, B'ham, and then it really went well in Wrottesley St. I knew him really well, both personally and him being a really good Boss. The previous comments about him where very true, he treated his Staff well, generous and always thoughtfull. Made the business a pleasure to work in. My Aunt Joan Grimes worked at the High Street building before everyone was transferred to the new Mapstones in Wrottesley St. She mentioned that during W.W.11 the basement in the building was used as an air-raid station. She got me a job at Wrottesley St. when there was no jobs going at the time, that was through her prompting the bosses! Michael was still learning the trade then, and used to come to work
on his motor bike.I starter in the despatch room, sweeping. unloading lorries, pasting labels on wrapers for the night shift guys to wrap the
newspapers in. Worked for him to the end of the Business, sad time, but
he did try and find other Companies for his Staff to be offered jobs.
A well known guy in the trade, Old Ben, and other big Charities he worked
for got a lot of time and attention from him.When he left Birmingham, he
was not in the best of health, i was at least able to be there for him (with
his Sister Barbara), we spent many a happy time until he passed away at Astley Care Centre. I miss him even now, a special person, so i am pleased
he is well remembered by others to. When Barbara passed away, she was the
last one of the Mapstone family. mike h.

Anonymous said...

Hi We are ex employees of M Mapstones Keith and Colette Bayliss. I have a site or group on Facebook for Mapstones with photos of some of the staff also Birmingham Workplaces.

Dave S said...

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1006264729567390

Mike Latham said...

Maybe I can add further to the Mapstone file as I worked there (Wrottesley St) as news sales rep. until 1969 when I joined the Daily Express. (Thankful to Michael Mapstone for his good reference). The News Manager was Albert Dilloway assisted by John Raplh, with Peter Fisher as sales rep. also. Prior to "rationalisation" in the wholesale news trade, Mapstones shared the business with WHSmith and Aston & Taylors across all of the greater Birmingham area. The rationalisation saw Mapstones covering only the south, until finally 99% of national trade is done by Smiths News (now seperate from WHS) & John Menzies.
The Night Manager was Cliff Fleet but regretably many names and faces are disappearing into the mist of time. I do remember a young girl Pat Greer from the Account Dept, having pushed a door open in the dark passage and knocking her flying.

Mapstone said...

Further to Michael Latham's comments, more added memories! Mapstone also had a thriving Stationery Dept. located on the top floor, with good displays of toys,books and cards etc. in the main showroom. Mr Bill Bates was the man in charge. along with David Pearson, they had their own office staff & reps,
including Eric Pratt (Ron Pratt's Brother) Ron was later to remain at Mapstones as the Returns Manager. The whole Stationery Dept merged with
Aston & Taylors to form 'AMT Merchants' in Hurst Street. With the returns
building up, the Returns Dept was formed up on the top floor, from the basement site, which had a bailing room for old newspapers. The General Office
was made bigger to incorporate a large computer room, and the showroom was
made smaller. Doug Williams over looked the computer system.
We lost a few staff then, as most of the office staff did clerical manual work, Joan Hill (my namesake) in charge of the office staff, along with Jack Healey, Doug Williams and Reg Matthews.
John Ralph eventually became News Manager.
Joan Myatt, Arthur Owen, Florrie Johnson, Keith Britton, Bill Habberley,
Miss Toy, Kath Deffley were amongst many prominent and good staff. The whole
staff throughout my employment were great to work with, too many names to
list, but all with fond memories. When i first started, the firm paid and
used to send us on an annual trip to Blackpool, we had a football team named
'Smallbrook United', and the Xmas hampers were always appreciated!
MHill

Michael Hill said...

Further to my previous 'comments' on memories of Mapstones Ltd, Wholesale Nespaper & Magazine Distributors in Wrottesley St. (now closed) and Michael
Mapstone, can i recommend facebook group managed by Colette Bayliss called :
Mapstone Ltd Wrottesley St. Birmingham Tribute Group.
Michael Hill

Anonymous said...

Micheal Mapstone Family Wholesale Newspapers distributor.
Opened in 1939.
I worked there from 1960 to 1988 WHS bought it out.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jim Jordan here again it’s with great pleasure I have read all the comments.
We are all agreed we never had a better Job or Boss than Micheal Mapstone.
Apart from the Xmas Hamper we also got a Regular Summer and Xmas Bonus.
I started as a Night Packer in 1960 worked my way up to Night Manager 1988.
I took over from Gus Ward in 84..
Mike Latham mentioned lot of names but he left out Charlie Davenport (Nights)
Ernie Colcough Albert (forgot name) Drivers
Never great on names forgive me they may come back to me Later.
Must Try that FB Page run by Keith Baylis.p
By for Now

Mapstone said...

Hello Jim, Please give the facebook page regarding Mapstones a look, it is
run by Keith & Collette Baylis, any problems please contact me.
Pleased you are still alive & kicking, you proberly don't remember me well,
i was always a bit of pain or nuisance, always with questions about deliveries etc. I remember Gus well, especially the last days of trading, he was well
upset, as was a lot of staff with the events going on.
Regards to you, mike hill

Patricia David said...

Hi my name is Patricia (Trish)
I worked in the computer room for about 3 years from 1985 until they closed. I then went to work for W H Smith. I absolutely loved it there, like one big happy family. Michael Mapstone was a true gentleman.
I remember. Roger, John Ralph, Joan, Barbara,(her sister whose name escapes me)
Madge and Margart, Happy times :)

Mapstone said...

Hi, Patricia, pleased to hear from another one from the Mapstone era, hope
you are keeping well. Regards mike hill

Anonymous said...

Yes remember a lot of these names. I worked in the returns department for a couple of years. I Worked with George williams gus ward stuart. Dennis peewee

 
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