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Supreme Queen at York Barbican

22 photos which show why York’s Glen and Julio were colourful kings of the hair salon

Monday 11 May, 2015 @ 9.25 pm News YorkMix
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Glen and Julio in their salon on Bishopthorpe Road before it closed
Glen and Julio in their salon on Bishopthorpe Road before it closed

A flamboyant era came to a close on Saturday (May 9) as Glen and Julio’s hair salon closed. After styling the hair of four generations of York men and women, Glen Jackson and Julio Garcia have decided to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Two of the best-known faces in York, Glen and Julio are also renowned throughout the world for multiple triumphs at international hair styling championships.

Closing the door on the Bishopthorpe Road salon was a tough decision, and one which was heralded with tears from proprietors and customers alike. But Glen and Julio have many years of happy memories to look back on – and they kindly opened their photograph album to share some of them with YorkMix readers.

Glen was a principal dancer in the ballet
Glen was a principal dancer in the ballet

Before he became a hairdresser, Glen was a principal ballet dancer with Northern Ballet and other leading companies.

He came to York from his home town of Norton in the Fifties and, when he wasn’t in the ballet, worked as a window dresser at the Rowntree shop on Coney Street.

Later Glen trained as a hairdresser and quickly discovered he had a gift for it. He opened his first salon in Acomb in the 1960s, moving to the Bishopthorpe Road premises 43 years ago.

Julio and Glen when they were Presidents of the National Hair Federation
Julio and Glen when they were Presidents of the National Hair Federation

Glen met Julio when he was on holiday in Barcelona.

“Julio was there with a load of friends on the beach,” Glen recalled. “We got talking to each other, we had a good laugh together.”

Julio adds: “I came over here for my holidays – and I’m still here!”

That was 42 years ago.

Intricate work for a bridal show in Paris
Intricate work for a bridal show in Paris
With this radical spiky look, they won every section at a home international event held at Blackpool
With this radical spiky look, they won every section at a home international event held at Blackpool

Glen and Julio have a trophy cabinet bigger than Sir Alex Ferguson’s when he managed Man Utd.

They have competed in hair styling championships in all the home countries, as well as in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and Holland.

Their talent, dedication and daring has won them many gold medals and trophies. Glen said:

It’s like the Olympics. When you win, they play the National Anthem and the flags go up. And it makes you cry, you are so proud.
Glen teaching England's young team members in York
Glen teaching England’s young team members in York

Glen and Julio represented Britain for seven years. Then they trained the national team for a further three years, coaching younger stylists in the art of winning championships.

They also became Presidents of the National Hair Federation, when they were presented with silver medals for their work in the hairdressing industry.

Julio showing how it's done
Julio showing how it’s done
Teasing out the perfect style
Teasing out the perfect style
A winning look at the Scottish championships
A winning look at the Scottish championships
Glen and models – and the magnificent Scottish trophy
Glen and models – and the magnificent Scottish trophy

They have styled aristocrats and showbiz royalty in the salon – including Katharine Worsley, aka the Duchess of Kent, and Judi Dench and her family.

When it became known they were retiring, they were inundated with cards and flowers. Some came from families who had seen four generations styled by G & J.

Sporting what Glen calls ‘big fronts’ – two models from a British team training session
Sporting what Glen calls ‘big fronts’ – two models from a British team training session
The finished look… Glen and model demonstrate an evening style at the world championships in Italy
The finished look… Glen and model demonstrate an evening style at the world championships in Italy

“We have tried to make this a place of experience,” Glen said of the salon.

They would change the look and feel of the interior every few months. And at Christmas the salon would be transformed into a winter wonderland, more extravagantly festive with each passing year.

On Christmas Eve, staff and friends would gather together for a party and exchange presents.

This modern look is from the Dutch championships at Amsterdam
This modern look is from the Dutch championships at Amsterdam
A gold medal winning style at the Waldorf Hotel
A gold medal winning style at the Waldorf Hotel

Now Glen and Julio have hung up their scissors and moved out to a modern house in another part of York. After working six days a week for many years, they finally have the freedom to do exactly what they want.

Glen, a talented artist, has set up one of the rooms in their new home as a studio.

Taking a last look around his home and workplace, the legendary Glen And Julio’s salon on Bishopthorpe Road, Glen says simply: “We’ve been happy here.”

Julio and a model relax at the end of an intense styling session
Julio and a model relax at the end of an intense styling session
Model Laurie with a style which took the prizes at Wembley
Model Laurie with a style which took the prizes at Wembley
A British championship day style
A British championship day style
Some of the models at the Wembley show
Some of the models at the Wembley show
Glen and model at the bridal show in Paris
Glen and model at the bridal show in Paris

 

24 Comments
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Sue Mearis (Mattison)
7 years ago

Wow so many memories, and so much fun we had too! Happy retirement to the most wonderful and talented hairdressers, Glen & Julio

Love Sue xxx

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Valerie Young
7 years ago

Happy retirement you both deserve it Love from Shelley Gillian and Val XX

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Shaun Robson
7 years ago

Well! Well! Well!
I have so many happy memories of our time together and I sincerely wish that you both have a happy and well deserved retirement, much love Shaun xxxx

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Gillian Robson
7 years ago

Wow – Seeing these photo’s brings back lots of wonderful memories that I shared travelling the world as a model with Glen & Julio. They are truly incredible people that have been a part of my life for over 30 years. Much love and a happy well earned retirement – Gillian xxx

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Javier Vargas
7 years ago

O my god…. congratulation couple. Grettings from your Spanish friends, Javi, Ornella and Rosi. See you soon…. i hope… here in Huelva, your second home. 😉 😉 😉 Kisses.

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Janet Redhead
7 years ago

Hope you enjoy a much deserved retirement, miss you guys xxx

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Kim Pennock
7 years ago

Happy retirement to you both! Mum and i had happy fun haircuts many times over the years both in Acomb and on Bishy road! Thank you xx

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Carol Laughton
7 years ago

I used to love watching the practice nights as tense as they were, all worth it when you produced styles like these. A very Happy Retirement to you both, you have certainly earned it. Lots of Love Carol xxxxx

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Julie Sharples
7 years ago

Wishing Glen & Julio a very happy retirement, was lovely to see you both at the racecourse x

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Janice Grove
7 years ago

Had my hair done many times by Glen a fantastic person. My mum went to them for over 50 years so sad to see them retire they will be missed. But wish them a happy retirement. Janice Grove.

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Karen Gordon
7 years ago

End of an era on Bishy Road

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annette forster
7 years ago

True artistry my lovely friends love you both x x

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Diana Sissons
7 years ago

Glen & Julio – I’m so glad to have you as friends; I’m sure the scissors will be out again soon ! ! Please, please keep in touch’
Love & xxxs
Diana

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Thomas Hall
7 years ago

These two used to come in my restaurant all the time they were

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Sean Spence
7 years ago

Hehehe! I remember them! They were well known in that part of hairdressing!

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Diana Sissons
7 years ago

Lots of love & xxxs, whatever you decide to do in the future: I’m sure your scissors will not been totally packed away for ever !
To two lovely people; keep in touch.
Diana

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Claire Linley
7 years ago

Liz Sunderland

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Joe Coates
7 years ago

Helena Coates

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Liz Sunderland
7 years ago

Wow Claire, now we know why the salon lasted so long, a little piece of York history 🙂

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Ross Langford
7 years ago

Tracey Lucas

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Karen Trueman
7 years ago

Glen Simpson

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Nick Hilton
7 years ago

amazing story! I think the salon is up for sale if you fancy a new challenge Sean Spence and Terry Sowerby!!

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Elaine Hilton
7 years ago

Was hoping to see you on here Fiona Mcdonald 🙂 those hairstyles look familiar!

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Brenda blount
7 years ago

happy retirement to you all .laurie you look amazing on these pics x

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