I have been clambering about on a scaffold which has been erected preparatory to a re-furbishment project on a Burton building nearby. The Burton chain employed a particular architectural style which was a 1920′s and ’30′s example of very distinct ‘ corporate branding.’
The faience brickwork has endured very well, and generally has only failed where there has been structural movement, or corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the structural framing elements of the building.
There are some very graceful details to this building, and it is going to be a wonderful and iconic part of the townscape when its fully restored.
Montague Burton was the founder of the chain; he came to England from Lithuania in 1900, at the age of fifteen. He started the chain in 1903, and by 1929 it consisted of 400 stores, factories and mills.
” The Tailor of Taste”.
Before scaffolding
Burton store; pilaster head detail
Window head view, showing pilaster heads and lintol details.
Window head and lintol detail
