LAST week’s story about the bonded warehouse on the quay jogged Eric Searle’s memory back to around 1948 when, as a 16-year-old, he was an apprentice to artist Eric Hutchinson, working at Studio 38, which went on to become known as Barn Studio and today Jackman’s toy shop.

Another apprentice at that time was Rex Houle, whose parents had The Cabin sweet shop in Bank Street.

Eric said: ‘Rex’s parents commissioned Studio 38 to make an illuminated sign for the window at The Cabin – it read The Sweetest Gift of All. We did a lot of work making window displays for cosmetic products of the Elizabeth Arden, Coty and Innoxa ranges. We also made a huge sign that ran the whole length of the double fronted Kenya Lounge restaurant in The Triangle.’

READ THE FULL STORY IN FRIDAY’S PAPER.