top- Two  early pictures of the interior of Joyes at the early part of the 20th century. right- one of the last, circa 1970.

Arthur E. Joyes Department store opened in New Road, in 1900, and later extended  further down as business increased. The shop was later run by his son Ronald and ceased trading in 1975.

"I was born at 3, Bradleigh Avenue, in Grays in 1937. I live now in Portland, Oregon.

During the war my family moved to Henley, but my Dad continued to operate the store until the late 70's. I visited Grays often and used to hang out in my Dad's store. I remember Mr. Pledger who sold Linoleum, Mrs. Brown who worked the cash desk, Mrs Roland, Mrs Cox. They were all so kind to me, They'd call my Dad "Mr. Ron", and they'd call me "Mr. Peter". I was disappointed to see on a recent visit to Grays, that the store has completely gone, and is now a parking lot. Ah Well!. The pictures on your site brought back so many memories.
I moved to the United States in 1960, and spent 17 years in the retail department store business here, but I always had a love for art, and in 1976 started my own business as an artist which I still enjoy very much"- Letter from Peter Joyes, USA. son of Ronald.