James Brimble (1897–1974) was perhaps better known for his newsagent's shop ‘Brimble’s on Station Road, Chingford during the 1950s and 60s.
However, after reading Brimble’s book London’s Epping Forest first published by Country Life in 1950, there is much more to this local Chingford shop keeper, author and photographer of Epping Forest.
Although the Epping Forest was opened to the public back in 1878 by Queen Victoria as the 'People’s Forest', Brimble suggests in his book that “the Londoners whose forest it is, and even those who live around its borders, know little of its charms and secrets”.
Brimble informs readers with expressive descriptions of the forest together with outstanding photographs through the seasons covering virtually all of the forest. The book alone no doubt, encouraged the faint-hearted to explore in depth, the Forest that was already their own.
Brimble had at least two sets of postcards produced from his photographs of the forest and surrounding areas. In addition, a popular pocket map of Epping Forest was also produced and all could be found at his Station road shop.
Brimble was a member of the Royal Photographic society and local Rotary club. Born in Whitechapel to publican parents, he moved to Chingford in the 1930s to join his mother at the shop. He lived with his wife and two children in Beresford Road until his death in 1974.
Three further editions of the book were produced by Brimble himself, and although long out of publication, you can still find Brimble’s books and postcards for sale on the internet today.
James Arthur Brimble uncovered the secrets and beauty of the Forest to the public like no one before, and should be considered as one of the unsung heroes of Epping Forest.
An exhibition of Brimble’s work can be seen at the Epping Forest Visitors Centre The View, 6 Ranger's Road, for limited time.
Today, 52 Station Road is a Café called Wake Cup.
- Gary Stone is a local historian.
