The changing times of a distinctive Victorian building

Pictured above are Charlotte Hawkins (left) and Katherine Hopwood, joint owners of the Beehive Hair Salon at No.37 Kirkgate. They are the modern chapter in the story of a building that has been a prime commercial site for more than 120 years.

A hairdresser since leaving school, Katherine opened the Beehive eight years ago. Charlotte became her partner in the business two years ago. Their clients span all ages from tots to very senior citizens. The Beehive, with its distinctive frontage and  standout lettering, attracts passing motorists in busy Kirkgate.

For more than half a century the shop belonged to Arthur Dixon, tailor, clothier and hatter. This photograph shows the premises in 1909, decorated for the second Silsden Charity Carnival. The sign on the wall says that hats, caps and a large variety of the latest styles are available in store. Dixon's was still trading in the 1950s. No.37 was later a greengrocery, first Gibson's and then Myers'. It was subsequently an accountancy office. For a year before Katherine opened the Beehive, the shop was a florist's.

A scene from the 1970s when No. 37 was Myers' greengrocery.The Liberal Association rooms next door had several uses before becoming the Thomas Clarkson/Co-op funeral-care office of today.