Memories of Clements in Watford 20 years after it closed

Clements had first opened in 1898 when Queen Victoria was still on the throne and it became a much-loved department store, selling a vast range of products for all types of needs and occasions.

The shop, trading from its Victorian building in High Street, was particularly popular during the 1950s and 60s under the direction of Richard Edmonds, who became chairman in 1965 before passing the position on to his son-in-law Jamie Rankin in 1997.

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A Valentines postcard showing Clements c1908 (Image: Watford Museum)

Mr Rankin and his wife Anna were to be at the Clements helm until Saturday, January 31, 2004 when they welcomed shoppers through the door for the final time.

Jamie and Anna Rankin welcome shoppers to Clements for the final time (Image: Jane Parr)

Although the Clements name lived on as furniture and carpet businesses until 2018, it will always be best remembered as a department store.

Looking at the model railways in Clements toy department in 1962 (Image: Watford Observer)

To mark the 20th anniversary of its closure, scroll down this page to enjoy a selection of pictures of Clements during its history.

An undated view of the department store from the past (Image: Watford Museum)

The Watford Observer wishes to thank its friends at Watford Museum for its help with these images.

A glimpse inside Clements from 1986 (Image: Watford Observer)

The entrance to Clements in 1998 (Image: Watford Observer)

An undated postcard showing a northwards view of Clements (Image: Watford Museum)

A view from the flyover in 1975 (Image: Watford Observer)

Clements celebrated its centenary in 1998 (Image: Watford Observer)