Duck Son and Pinker closes

Duck Son and Pinker, one of the UK's oldest music shops - and one of Bath's longest established retailers - has closed.

An article in the Bath Chronicle's online edition on Friday quoted a statement from D S & P's owners which read: "Following the recent death of its managing director and principal shareholder, Mr Leslie Fudge, the directors of Duck, Son and Pinker Limited of Bath have decided, on best advice, to seek a resolution by its shareholders for the winding-up of the company. The business ceased trading and closed its doors on April 1 2011.

"Founded in 1848 on Pulteney Bridge by Mr William Duck, the directors recognise with great sadness both the end of its long and distinguished history within our city and also its major contribution to the musical and cultural life of the west of England, as provided in its various branches over the decades by so many loyal members of staff.

"For many years the company had been supported by Mr Fudge personally, in his commitment to its survival as a matter of public service to the community and concern for the staff.

"Sadly, following his death, the directors are no longer able to ensure its ability to continue to trade in these ever more changing and straightened times and circumstances, which are beyond their own wish or ability to control.

"In reaching this painful decision the directors will conduct the closing down of the business in as dignified and sensitive a way as is possible, having at all times a regard to the passing into history of a company which has been embedded for so many years within our social and cultural fabric in its service of the musical needs of our community."

Duck, Son and Pinker was a leading general music retailer which had previously opened a branch in Swindon, closed in 2007, following a disagreement with Swindon Council over access to the property under the Disability Discrimination Act.

The newspaper also claimed that staff had only been told of the closure on Friday morning

Nobody from Duck Son and Pinker was available for comment and the shop's website was unreachable on Monday.

Picture courtesy of The Bath Chronicle

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