Author Archives: buildingourpast

Spotting Historic Shopfronts: Baldock

Posted on September 6, 2018

A plum spot on the Great North Road meant that the small market town of Baldock in Hertfordshire became an ideal staging post for people journeying north from London. From the 17th century onwards it was chock-a-block with coaching inns, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion and Clothing, Provisions Shops, Spotter's Guides, Streetscape | Leave a comment

Spotting Historic Shopfronts: Cambridge

Posted on June 24, 2018

21 Market Street Cambridge is rich in historic shopfronts. Here are a few interesting examples to look out for on shopping trips in town! Two Art Nouveau Shopfronts from the 1920s Surprisingly, the elegant art nouveau shopfront at 21 Market … Continue reading →

Posted in Chemists' Shops, Spotter's Guides, Streetscape | Leave a comment

Woolworth’s Architects

Posted on March 7, 2018

F. W. Woolworth landed on British soil with a group of hand-picked American managers in 1909 and promptly set about establishing a new chain of 3d. and 6d. stores. Suitable buildings were identified, converted and, if required, extended with the … Continue reading →

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Woolworth’s British Shopfronts

Posted on February 19, 2018

F. W. Woolworth & Co Ltd occupied a prominent spot on British High Streets for nearly a century, from 1909 until 2009. Beneath the red and gold signboard of the famous 3d and 6d stores, the form of the shopfront … Continue reading →

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Cooper’s Motor Mart (Cooper’s Studios)

Posted on December 27, 2017

Cooper’s Auction Yard (later Cooper’s Motor Mart) on Westgate Road in Newcastle-upon-Tyne was built for James Cooper (1849-1925). Cooper, the son of a harbour master from South Shields, set himself up as a horse dealer in the yard of the Crown … Continue reading →

Posted in Carscapes | 1 Comment

Macy’s Garage, Balderton Street, London

Posted on December 17, 2017

This historic garage can be found just off London’s bustling Oxford Street, opposite the main entrance to Selfridge’s department store. Built as Macy’s Garage in 1925-26, it was one of London’s most imposing car parks. Macy’s Garage was designed by … Continue reading →

Posted in London Car Parks | 1 Comment

The Electromobile Garage in Mayfair

Posted on December 6, 2017

The Electromobile Garage lies hidden behind the grand façades of Mayfair, in the guise of NCP Carrington Street. The building may have little architectural presence on the street front, but it played a fascinating role in the early motoring history of … Continue reading →

Posted in London Car Parks | 1 Comment