I love old shops that haven’t changed in years. It’s really sad when they close down because of the inexorable onslaught of rising business rates, expanding chain stores and supermarkets. Even worse happens when the proprietors feel they should ‘update’ their ‘look’ in the mistaken attempt to attract more customers. There was, in this respect, a wonderfully forties-style bar in Fornaci di Barga which decided to ‘modernize’ and move to newly-built premises with consequent total loss of character.

in the UK and more specifically in Wales several shops have managed to retain their ‘olde worlde’ charm. I single out Newtown’s branch of W. H. Smiths which has happily retained its original 1930’s atmosphere.

London, too, has its fair share of ‘period’ shops, especially in less frequented areas.

This is one of my favourites: D. L. Lewis, a chemist in Ealing, West London with decor and fittings dating from 1900 when Queen Victoria was on the throne. The shop has virtually remained intact since that time (although, of course, the stock it sells has been updated!) The pharmacy’s display cabinets and herb drawers are quite exquisite.

Can you think of any similar ‘time-warped’ shops near where you live? Of course in Bagni di Lucca Italy where I reside there’s the ‘Antica Farmacia’ owned by Massimo Betti and founded in 1709.

PS. That bust of Napoleon in Ealing may refer to the French perfumes sold there but also conveniently links up with his sister who enjoyed staying at Bagni di Lucca.