Timeline of Nottingham Shopfronts
Early shopfronts
(up to 1714)
The first shops appeared in the medieval period and used domestic properties or small timber booths with unglazed openings, and shutters that could also serve as a counter. 11 Bridlesmith Gate, a delightful timber framed building, dating back to the early 16th century, is one of the oldest surviving domestic buildings in Nottingham. The simply designed shopfront is late 20th century.
Georgian shopfronts (1714-1837)
Nottingham is fortunate to have many fine Georgian buildings, most began life as town houses. Shopfronts tended not to be added until the Victorian period. However the Victorian designs were influenced by the proportions and the architectural detailing of their Georgian setting. Willoughby House on Low Pavement (built c1738) retains its town house façade. It was converted into Paul Smith’s flagship store in 2005.
Glass gradually replaced open fronts and the design of shopfronts became heavily influenced by glass technology. During the 18th century shops used multiple small panes of crown glass to create windows, some with bow windows to maximise light and display space. Another pivotal development was the use of fascias to display the shop name. The only Georgian shopfronts that remain in Nottingham are those on public houses. The Roebuck Inn, on St James’s Street, was originally built as two houses in c1770, the later shopfronts are in the Georgian style.
Victorian shopfronts (1837-1901)
Early Victorian shopfronts continued to be classically inspired, as exampled in the timber shopfront at 6 Byard Lane. New materials and greater competition as we progress through the Victorian period, gave rise to more creative designs. Shopfronts became more elaborate with great attention to each detail.
At 38 Carrington Street the functional ventilation grill also adds to the design and decorative appeal of the shopfront. Large scale glazing to the windows is complimented by a distinctive glazed stallriser set in a timber frame. The recessed doorway is tiled in a beautiful mosaic.
The invention of plate glass in the 1830s and the lifting of the Glass Tax in 1845 saw the use of glass to an expansive scale. Curved glass became possible. 25-29 Wheeler Gate is a lovely example of the effective use of curved glass, to create showcase windows and a wide welcoming entrance. Such technology was timely for Nottingham, it grew exponentially from the mid 19th century, increasing its commercial importance and leading to extensive redevelopment in parts of the city centre.
The remarkable shopfront at 16-22 Goosegate was installed for Jesse Boot in 1882 and examples new features of the Victorian period including cast iron, a double height frontage and mullions designed as colonettes with capitals and bases. An array of features were introduced in the Victorian period including brattishing, Italianate arcading, roller blinds and awnings, transom lights, sheet brass, bronze and copper sills, marble stallrisers, solid masonry shopfronts (from 1870s) and larger fascias which were flat, angled or curved and terminated in consoles. Image copyright Historic England.
20th century shopfronts
The 1920s and 30s saw a major transformation, from traditional designs to sleek and minimalist, influenced by Art Deco and new polished materials like Vitorilite and chrome. The new materials were complimented by granite, marble and faience (a glazed terracotta). Gordon House on Carrington Street, is influenced by Beaux Arts with giant fluted columns and ionic capitals. Its sleek shopfronts are in the simpler Art Deco style.
Sadly few shopfronts remain from this time and the transformative designs and materials of the inter-war period were followed by limited innovation. Even shopfronts of the 50s and 60s are now quite rare. The Birds shopfront at 4 Poultry is a rare surviving example of a good 1960s shopfront. The curved glass, framed in chrome is a simple yet distinctive design. The colonnade complements those on Market Square. Terazzo was a popular material and is used in the floor of the lobby and a shallow plinth beneath the glazing.
Tanners at 28-30 Pelham Street showcases the fashion of the 50s and 60s with its crazy paving and sloping shop window, designed to lure window shoppers in to the shop.
Late 20th and 21st century shopfronts
From the 1970s a plethora of plastic fascias and aluminium frames have invaded the high street. However good contemporary design can be found in Nottingham. Whitestuff on Bridlesmith Gate respects the proportions and style of its setting and uses quality materials and design in its lettering to the fascia, with a colourful hanging sign to attract the passing shopper.
Good contemporary design can incorporate the simple lines favoured in contemporary architecture and use palettes and textures to add interest.
The Photographers Gallery in London was built in 2012 and does just this. New designs for Nottingham shopfronts can similarly draw on the principles of the Shopfront Design Guide to produce new and exciting spaces.
Image credit Dennis Gilbert.