The face of the high street continues to change but the shops in this picture were favourites in Watford for many years.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Watford Museum archive and this week we recall Timothy Whites and Mothercare.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “Two long established business in the Market Place in the High Street were Mothercare and Timothy Whites and appear in this image taken in June 1980.

“Timothy Whites began trading here in May 1931 in a new shop on the site of the Essex Arms. I believe they first began as a chemist shop but more people will remember them for household items. The shop's appearance altered slightly over the decades due to redevelopments at the entrance to Charter Place.

Watford Observer: How the streetscape looked in April 2019.How the streetscape looked in April 2019. (Image: Google Street View)

“I believe Mothercare’s building was of a similar age, but the store did not arrive until 1967 with all things for babies and youngsters. Sadly, both shops ceased trading on the High Street.

“Mothercare’s building remains little changed but Timothy Whites store had been replaced completely.”

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.