Guido’s Hair Care

Penrith City Council Logo

In the 60’s Jim Hackett and his Bow Tie Boys barber shop was opened at 181A Queen St after moving from the front shop of St Marys Crown Picture Theatre.

Guidos Barber Shop

Download the Guido's Barber Shop poster (pdf 288kb)

Jim Hackett sold the business to Guido Piccirilli in 1982. The business moved to 183 Queen St in 1997.

 Guidos Hair Care

Jim Hackett Hairdresser and Tobacconist Shop in 1967. Mick Hackett (Jim Hackett's father), Jim Hackett, Sid Barwick and Guido Piccirilli, 1967, photographer unknown
Source: Private Photograph Collection of Guido Piccirilli

The Original Barbershop

The original barbershop in this area was located at 181A Queen St. The owner of the business was Jim Hackett and it was originally called “Jim Hackett and his Bow Tie Boys”, as his barbers wore bow ties. Jim changed their uniforms after seeing the Television show “Ben Casey”, as he thought his barbers would look better in the style of uniform worn by Dr Ben Casey.

Guidos Hair Care 1968

Jim Hackett Hairdresser and Tobacconist Shop 181A Queen St. Photo shows Brian Summerhayes, Guido Piccirilli, Sid Barwick and Jim Hackett standing outside of shop.
1968, unknown photographer.
Source: Private collection of Guido Piccirilli

During Jim Hackett's time as a barber he had 7 apprentices: Mick Codner, Denis Luxford, Sid Barwick, Guido Piccirilli, Brian Summerhayes, Tony Hughes and an unnamed female.

 Guido Jim Tony 1971

Guido Picarilli, Jim Hackett and Tony Hughes behind the counter in Jim Hackett's Barber shop 181A Queen St. At the time of this photo being taken Jim Hackett also sold fishing tackle, sporting equipment, guns and ammunition.
1971, unknown photographer
Private collection of Guido Piccirilli

 Guidos Hair Care 1990

Guido’s Hair Care, 181A Queen St, 1990, Photographer Gianrocco Piccirilli
Source: Private collection of Guido Piccirilli

New Owner

Guido’s Hair Care after the name changed from Jim Hackett Hairdresser and Tobacconist The new owner, Guido Piccirilli, moved the business next door to 183 Queen Street in 1997. Previous known businesses at 183 Queen St were Bill Peard's Chemist shop followed by John Tait's Chemist shop, another Chemist shop (brought business from John Tait and changed name), Hairdresser and Children's Clothing shop, Paint shop, Finance shop then Guido's Hair Care.

Interview with Guido Piccirilli

Researchers: Paul Mills and Eric Kent

Paul Mills Eric Kent

Paul Mills (left) and Eric Kent (right) examining an early map of Queen Street St Marys during a visit to the State Archives, Kingswood NSW, November 2017.

Paul was born in Griffith N.S.W. He moved with family to St Marys in 1954 when his parents decided to open their own business. Paul attended both local schools, St Marys Public and St Marys High School. He worked from a very early age in dad’s Menswear shop and after leaving school worked full time. Paul worked 44 years in the one job.

After retirement Paul and his wife Margaret joined St Marys and District Historical Society, Paul is also involved with the Nepean Men's Shed where he teaches Pyrography (Woodburning). Many examples of his work can be found in various places around the Australia.

Eric moved to St Marys from Kingswood in 1947 when he was 10 years old. Queen Street at that time was mainly residential with only a few shops spread out along mainly the eastern side of the street. Eric lived in the Duration Cottages and attended St Marys Primary School. He also went to Penrith High School as there was no high school in St Marys at that time. After he left school he started work at Ducon’s Condensers. The factory was part of the munitions area that was built during World War 2.

Eric was one of the original members of the Nepean District Pipe Band until illness prevented him from carrying on. He was also involved as Cub Scout leader in the 1st St Marys Scout Troop for a number of years. After working for Ducon’s (later known as Plessy's) for 14 years Eric went into the building trade doing waterproofing and building maintenance.

Eric has also participated in the Penrith Relay for Life for more than eight years and he is now an active member of the St Marys and District Historical Society.

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