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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
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
Happy retirement you both deserve it Love from Shelley Gillian and Val XX
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
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
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.
Hope you enjoy a much deserved retirement, miss you guys xxx
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
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
Wishing Glen & Julio a very happy retirement, was lovely to see you both at the racecourse x
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.
End of an era on Bishy Road
True artistry my lovely friends love you both x x
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
These two used to come in my restaurant all the time they were
Hehehe! I remember them! They were well known in that part of hairdressing!
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
Liz Sunderland
Helena Coates
Wow Claire, now we know why the salon lasted so long, a little piece of York history 🙂
Tracey Lucas
Glen Simpson
amazing story! I think the salon is up for sale if you fancy a new challenge Sean Spence and Terry Sowerby!!
Was hoping to see you on here Fiona Mcdonald 🙂 those hairstyles look familiar!
happy retirement to you all .laurie you look amazing on these pics x