Trip back in time for Doctor’s coat maker
WHEN a Scots company issued a plea for historic pictures of its new headquarters it was hoping for some interesting finds.
But it was especially delighted to receive a picture of the then Princess Elizabeth and her mother visiting Aberdeen’s Grandholm Mill during the Second World War.
At that time the mill was occupied by iconic clothing firm J&J Crombie, which was turning out uniforms for Army and RAF officers.
The company behind the famous Crombie brand of coats worn by celebrities including Daniel Craig, David Beckham and former US President John F Kennedy, was based in the building from 1859 to 1990.
Crombie was given a boost recently when Peter Capaldi’s Doctor Who wore one – a £795 version with a pillar box-red lining.
Today the clothing firm is based in Leeds but the mill is about to become home to AVC Media, which put out the call for historic pictures and memorabilia.
AVC chief executive Spencer Buchan said: ‘There are thousands of people who worked at the mill over the years. These images and reminiscences give us a valuable insight to an era which just doesn’t exist here any more.’
The company is planning to set up an exhibition and host a public open day to showcase the hundreds of images it has received.