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Hi Siobhán, my name is Jennifer Johnston (nee Botham) and I worked at Ryle’s as my very first job when I was 15, so approx 1960, actually on my 15Th birthday, that was my very first day at work. I worked in the lingerie dept with a lovely lady whose name escapes me for now. Oh, maybe Mrs Hopper? The lingerie was amazing in those days, Hollywood style, wonderful for a 15 year old to work with. I had to tidy the drawers of underwear and night dresses and negligees and make sure everything was absolutely in line... I also worked when there was a fashion parade, as a dresser, so amazing to do that at 15, help those beautiful models to have everything ready for them and all on the hanger to go, dress, jacket etc, shoes, jewels, so she could just pop it all on and then I had to check she looked OK. The parades were unbelievable to me. Then there were the shop windows after a parade, with everything from the Bride, bridesmaid, mother of the bride etc, to the guests and all the windows were such a spectacular show. One year, a crazed or drunk man smashed quite a few of the windows with a big stick or walking stick through the night. Next day when the shock had worn off, we had to sit and pick out all the glass from the beautiful bridal veil and gown...it was a sad day for us, to think someone would do that. I loved working there, especially when the lady in the makeup and perfume dept would give me tips and spray a bit of Blue Grass or Suede perfume on me!! I would LOVE to hear how you have gone with any more stories about Ryle’s, and also if you have photos? I have lived in Australia since 1966 and went back to have a look in 1994 but of course I was so sad to see it was no longer there. Kind regards, Jennifer.