The former National Westminster Bank on Spring Gardens, Manchester, England, is an Edwardian bank building constructed in 1902 for Parr's Bank by Charles Heathcote.[1] The bank is in a "bold Edwardian Baroque" style.[1] It is a Grade II* listed building as of 4 January 1972.[2]

Former National Westminster Bank
Former National Westminster Bank, Spring Gardens and York Street
Map
General information
Architectural styleEdwardian Baroque
Address1 York Street, Manchester, M2 2AW
Year(s) built1902
Designations
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameFormer National Westminster Bank on corner at junction with Spring Gardens
Designated4 January 1972
Reference no.1255042

The bank is built of red sandstone with a corner tower and cupola, Doric columns supporting nothing but ornamental brackets, and hooded gables. The vast plate glass windows designed to illuminate the banking hall are particularly striking, each with "a large round-headed window filling the width of each bay, with moulded head, scrolled keystone, and plate-glass glazing with enriched bronze 'ferramenta' including a horizontal mid-panel, bottom panels with stained glass, and arched upper lights with margin panes".[2]

The interior is "amongst the most opulent of any of the date surviving in Manchester, and for that matter, in London".[1] The foyer has mahogany panelling, whilst the main banking hall is walled with green marble. The stained glass, some of which is original, and the ironwork on the exterior are Art Nouveau.[1] As of February 2024, the building is now a Browns brasserie and bar.[3]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d Hartwell 2001, pp. 204–205.
  2. ^ a b Historic England. "Former National Westminster Bank on corner at junction with Spring Gardens (Grade II*) (1255042)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  3. ^ "Browns Manchester". browns-restaurants.co.uk. Browns Restaurants. Retrieved 3 February 2024.

References

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  • Hartwell, Clare (2001), Manchester, Pevsner Architectural Guides, London: Penguin, ISBN 0-14-071131-7

53°28′52″N 2°14′29″W / 53.4811°N 2.2414°W / 53.4811; -2.2414