Plymouth historian and author Chris Robinson’s shop on the Barbican will re-open for the first time since COVID on December 1.
The pandemic led to the closure of so many businesses locally and nationally and the opening, however, means that Chris will not be taking a stall in Plymouth’s Christmas Market in the Piazza.
Initially trading as an artist, Chris Robinson is now better known today as the city’s foremost local historian. He has written dozens of books on the Plymouth area and made a number of popular films that were turned into DVDs.
His latest offering, Post Blitz Plymouth, From the Air, Then & Now is a follow on from last year’s well received Plymouth Before The War, From the Air, Then & Now, and it plots the rebuilding of the city after the aerial bombardment.
The book also captures, in juxtaposed images the development of new estates like Ernesettle, Whitleigh, Ham and Efford, and considers the impact of the bombing on areas like the Hoe, Stonehouse, Stoke, St Budeaux, Ford, Peverell, Lipson and Laira .
Chris said:
“It’s amazing what you see when you match what’s there now with what was there before. Sometimes you are fully prepared for the differences between then and now, other times you’re absolutely amazed by the changes and what’s been lost or gained.
“Both of these projects would have been almost impossible to accomplish when I started, but thanks to computers, the internet and Google Earth, it’s all very do-able now! What’s more it’s given me a wonderful insight into the evolution of Plymouth over the last century or so and it’s great to be able to share that with everyone. We are very fortunate to live in a fantastic city and I’ve been very fortunate to be able learn more and more about it every day!”
Chris Robinson’s Plymouth Shop will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays 11am to 4.30pm from Friday December 1 to Saturday December 23.
