After 69 years serving local sewing enthusiasts, the retail arm of Wimbledon Sewing Machine Company on Merton High Street is closing its doors for the last time this summer.

Owner Ian Rushton, 66, who has served this community since leaving school aged 15, is retiring.

Speaking to a group of eight Year 6 students from St Mary’s RC Primary School, Mr Rushton said: "I’m off to the sunshine."

Wimbledon Times:


(L-R) Ten year-olds Max Brooks, Alice Waring and Sian Sinnott with (back L-R) shop owners Emma Rushton, Ian Rushton and journalist  Pamela Whitby.

The students interviewed him as part of a school project, with a freelance journalist, which involved writing this article for this newspaper.

After the Second World War, Mr Rushton’s father, Thomas, began buying and selling second hand sewing machines.

Wimbledon Times:

A re-creation of the first shop in Merton Road

Making, mending and altering clothing and home furnishings was a necessity after the war and in 1947 he opened the first shop in Merton Road.

The business expanded quickly, and at one time there were seven shops in London and Surrey.

"Dad spotted a business opportunity and my brother Ray, still the leading light of the business, really took it from there," he said.

Today Ray Rushton, 77, continues to run both a wholesale and retail business on Balham High Road, which will remain open as usual.

He is also a collector of rare sewing machines, housing over 600 in a museum above his workshop, including one given to Queen Victoria's eldest daughter Victoria, Princess Royal as a wedding present, below.

Wimbledon Times:

Remembering his shop’s heyday, Ian Rushton said the 1980s "were busy and exciting times" and they exhibited regularly at the Ideal Home Show.

Over the years, however, there had been gradual decline of the high street with several pubs, a tobacconist, grocery store and other retail outlets selling up.

Mr Rushton said: "I remember the area with a proper high street and a whole community around it."

Mr Rushton said he thought the government had not done enough to support independent shops, business rates were extortionate and the internet had not helped.

Richard Smith of nearby AW Cycles Ltd agreed.

Mr Smith said: "It’s sad seeing another old shop close on the high street but we can’t compete with online retailers."

Emma Rushton, 33, and Letitia Rushton, 21, his two daughters, have decided not to take on the Merton shop.

Emma has mixed feelings.

She said: "I will miss the customers and working with my parents, but I am happy that they can enjoy a much deserved rest."

Mr Rushton has accepted an offer on the freehold and could close in June.

The museum is located at 312 Balham High Road and is open on the first Saturday of each month between 2pm and 5pm.

Admission is free but visitors are asked to make a donation to either Leukaemia Research or the RNLI.