Ipswich: A J Rawling celebrate 100 years trading in town

A J Rawling Opticians has been trading in Ipswich's high street since it was founded in 1923 by Alfred John Rawling.

The practice was originally situated on Butter Market, and moved to Northgate Street in November, 1970, where it remains to this day.

Catherine Sims and Emma Smith, the current owners of A J Rawling. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the practice struggled to succeed, with Mr Rawling handing over the business to Kemble Williams, who worked there at the time.

He was then in charge until his retirement, when Christopher Sims took over the business in the 1960s.

The optician is now run by Catherine Sims and Emma Smith, who took over from Catherine's father in 2004.

The Bishop of Ipswich went to A J Rawling to get their glasses in 1923. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

They said: "We both love our jobs, love Ipswich and although we have recently had to cope with forced closure due to the pandemic and the cost of living crisis that followed, we are proud to still be here offering our patients the same level of personal service and healthcare A J Rawling has always been known for."

The optician has outlived many shops in Ipswich that have been and gone, and despite having to go through global pandemics, a World War and electricity blackouts, the business remains to be strong.

Mayor of Ipswich, Lynne Mortimer, has been going to A J Rawling since she was five years old.

Archived picture of Butter Market in the past, with A J Rawling situated on the right. Credit: A J Rawling (Image: A J Rawling)

She said: "My first specs had glass lenses and wire frames.

"Things have changed so much, but Rawlings has always kept up with new development and my eyes have been well cared for for over six decades."

Mike Finch, another long-time patient, said: "I am not surprised but very pleased to discover that A J Rawling have been in business for 100 years.

A J Rawling has been in Ipswich for the last 100 years. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"I have been a patient since I was a small child and stayed with them into my seventies.

"They are a pleasure to deal with and I sincerely hope they remain exactly as they are today."

L-R: Beryl Sims, Catherine Sims, Denise McCourt, Emma Smith and Chris Sims. A J Rawling Opticians celebrates their 100th-anniversary. PICTURE: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: Charlotte Bond)