During her research for the Fabrica Gallery on ‘The Boys on the Plaque’, Lyn Turpin found a rather curious name: Quero. Lyn’s research shows that, following death of both his parents, at the age of 12 Joseph Marie (or William) Query became an apprentice hairdresser in a prestigious Parisian salon. Ten years later he set off for England, married Brighton girl, Bessie, and set up his hairdressing business at 32 Ship Street. Joseph Marie was not just a run-of-the-mill hairdresser. He was a coiffeur pour dames and a perruquier [wig-make]. Joseph did not retire from the Ship Street salon until 1950.
As the family grew, the Queros moved their home to 66 Hallyburton Road in Hove. Nostalgia must have kicked in as Brittany-born Joseph give his house a Breton name Ker Armor [villa near the sea].
For a more detailed account of Joseph’s life and some terrific photos, go to Lyn’s article.
Much more information is available from ‘The Boys of the Plaque” WW1 project.
Within 400 metres of Palmeira Square you will find a flurry of French restaurants and French-inspired catering establishments.
At the beginning of the first week of May 1968, French universities closed their admin. departments. On 3 May, the students made their objections very clear. By the end of the week, 20 000 of them were rioting in central Paris. A few days later, the barricades were up. By the end of the following week, 2 million workers were on strike. France was paralysed and stayed so until the beginning of June. What were Brighton and Hove doing at the time?
Blue plaques – not to show that someone famous lived in your house, but that you are a Francophile. One example from Kemp Town and three from a single street near Waitrose.
Tucked away just off the seafront, you will find Petit Pois, a French restaurant run by David and his wife, Ivana. This is David’s story.
French Brighton 