Image of exterior of Thoroughgood's branch at Smithford Street, Coventry before its conversion to a Sainsbury's

This branch was one of a chain of shops which Sainsbury's acquired when it went bankrupt in 1936. The Coventry branch was one of nine retained by Sainsbury's in the Midlands; those furthest from the Blackfriars depot were sold. Image included in 'JS Journal' February 1961, p.26, with the caption "Below is the Smithford Street branch at Coventry, which was closed in 1938 when our present branch opened in Trinity Street. It is of interest because Dame Ellen Terry [actress] is said to have been born in a room above it. It disappeared in the devastating air raid of 1940, when the heart of the town was destroyed." Image may be by Mr F.R. Parker. The picture looks like it may have been taken shortly after being closed for conversion into a Sainsbury's store - there is a notice in the window which appears to state "These premises will be re-opened..." and the windows are whitewashed.