I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Mr Graham Field in his treasure trove of a Barbers shop in Wallington, Surrey. A vintage bicycle with stunning red geraniums in the basket stood outside Nomad and inside is like stepping back in time.
Stunning black leather and chrome barbers chairs are overlooked by a wall of photographs of dashing chaps, some sporting my personal favourite of men’s facial decor, the pencil moustache . What could be better than having ones hair cut whilst being overlooked by Ronald Coleman, Errol Flynn and Gene Kelly! They are all such icons of style.
In the background swing music plays, creating a wonderful atmosphere but oh the radios in the shop! They are all absolutely stunning pieces – old radios are sculptural works of art in my view! Scattered throughout the shop are the most amazing pieces of history from the Barbers world including clippers, old cologne bottles and other vintage ephemera of all descriptions. The reading material is befitting of the establishment as well! No Lads mags here.
Graham himself is devilishly stylish and blends effortlessly into the shop’s fabulousness. On the day we met, he was dressed in linen, sporting an immaculate ‘tache and beard. His suit, one of his first, was a reproduction demob from the late 80s made by his father (a tailor). At home, where some people have wardrobes, he has whole rooms for his clothes! His love of fashion is clear and way we talked about so many eras from Edwardian to the late Forties.
A talented chap in many ways, and a thoroughly brilliant traditional Barber (I was lucky enough to watch him at work). His clientèle are the sort of chaps who insist on a cut once every three weeks to ensure the perfect vintage look. And as for his dancing skills, I can testify to this talent as I have been lucky enough to dance with him. His talents also reach to music – as a member of a Jazz Trio who will be playing at War and Peace this year.
With thanks to Graham Field, Nomad, 86 Stafford Road, Wallington, Surrey.
