G.W.Cowling Ltd
We know that Louis Armstrong visited Europe — once in summer 1932 (England and Scotland) and for a longer time in 1933 and 1934 (England, Scandinavia, Denmark, Holland, France). Newspaper reports exist, as do the first airshots and the famous 1933 film footage.
But I hadn’t known that Louis and his band had paid a ceremonial visit to a famous gramophone store, Cowlings Bros in St Nicholas Street, Leicester, on Saturday, February 24, 1934, until I’d seen this autograph book up for bid on eBay. Jazz Lives
Comment
I was to young to see that lovely old music store in Leicester, but heard so much about it, if it was here today I would go in and have a look around, looking at the lovely old things they had in the store.
Name
Gary Smith
(2021)
Comment
I worked at Cowlings in Belvoir street in the 1970s. I don't recall them being in St Nicholas Street, in fact, I cannot find a a street with that name. Only: Circle, Place and Walk. I know that they also had a place on St Peters Road. There was a fire at the Belvoir Road store in 1964, pretty well gutted the place, but that was a bit before I worked there. I'd be 11 years' old then.
Name
Peter Merricks
(2022)
But I hadn’t known that Louis and his band had paid a ceremonial visit to a famous gramophone store, Cowlings Bros in St Nicholas Street, Leicester, on Saturday, February 24, 1934, until I’d seen this autograph book up for bid on eBay. Jazz Lives
Comment
I was to young to see that lovely old music store in Leicester, but heard so much about it, if it was here today I would go in and have a look around, looking at the lovely old things they had in the store.
Name
Gary Smith
(2021)
Comment
I worked at Cowlings in Belvoir street in the 1970s. I don't recall them being in St Nicholas Street, in fact, I cannot find a a street with that name. Only: Circle, Place and Walk. I know that they also had a place on St Peters Road. There was a fire at the Belvoir Road store in 1964, pretty well gutted the place, but that was a bit before I worked there. I'd be 11 years' old then.
Name
Peter Merricks
(2022)
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The picture on the left, shows a Gilbert Gramophone display stand at the 1929 "Leicester Home Life Exhibition". The retailer responsible for this impressive display was Cowling Bros of Leicester. More information on this company, and copies of their advertisements from the 1930's, are in the "gallery" section. (My sincere thanks to Martin Nutter for the supply of this picture, and many other items)
An extract taken from a Cowling Bros advert from December 1930 states "The new GILBERT has set a higher standard in Gramophone Reproduction. Wonderful Volume and definition of tone is the secret of the new Gilbert's popularity. You must hear it. It is designed and built by Master Craftsmen-a marvel of engineering skill. These instruments are entirely free from distortion and vibration. Enjoy for yourself the smooth roundness of Gilbert reproduction-- perfect tonal balance is assured by the new Patent Tone Arm and Amplifier. The elimination of harshness is complete"
An extract taken from a Cowling Bros advert from December 1930 states "The new GILBERT has set a higher standard in Gramophone Reproduction. Wonderful Volume and definition of tone is the secret of the new Gilbert's popularity. You must hear it. It is designed and built by Master Craftsmen-a marvel of engineering skill. These instruments are entirely free from distortion and vibration. Enjoy for yourself the smooth roundness of Gilbert reproduction-- perfect tonal balance is assured by the new Patent Tone Arm and Amplifier. The elimination of harshness is complete"