AN ICONIC Evesham business will close its doors after 52 years of trading on Christmas Eve.

Derek’s Hair Studio, just off Port Street, Evesham, will give clients the snip for the last time next month when proprietor Derek Bartlett finally hangs up his scissors at the grand old age of 82.

Mr Bartlett entered the industry as a 15-year-old and took on his current shop at the age of 30.

His younger brother Ivan retired in August after 50 years of styling hair for men and women, now spending many hours fishing, walking and spending time with his wife, while Derek’s daughter Sarah will continue to work in the hairdressing industry.

For Mr Bartlett it has been a labour of love and even in his eighties, he had not considered giving up until circumstances changed.

“Covid has not helped one iota but when my brother decided to retire that had an impact,” he said.

“I never thought about what it would be like (to retire) and just kept going.

“My father was a barber and hairdresser, my wife is as well so there was quite a lot of family influence.

“I have always found anything to do with fashion so interesting because it changes so much and we have enjoyed meeting and talking to so many people over the years. That is a big part of it.

“Our secret has been having some really good clients. Some of them have been with me ever since I started, their children and grandchildren too. It has been a continuation.”

In all of those years there must have been a famous face or two in the chair but Mr Bartlett prefers to see things differently.

“I would say all my clients are famous to me," came the reply when asked for his most celebrated customer.

"They are all so individual and different, we listen to their problems and everyone is equal.

“We have had some very well-known clients but they are the same as anyone else, we treat all people exactly the same.”

You would not blame Derek for putting his feet up once he calls time but it sounds like wife Tessa will be keeping him busy at home.

“We try to help with the church and things like that so I have plenty to do,” he added.

“We have been in our house for 51 years and come through two floods in that time so there is always something to do.”