This clock, with its swinging sixties style, could (to some) look a little outdated, but to me it has a modern retro feel. Its on the front of the department store Cavendish House, situated in the Promenade.Not surprisingly this shop facade is not the original one, it was built during the modernisation of the shop between 1962-1966, it cost £800,000 and replaced the 1826 art nouveau windowed frontage. The store Clark and Debenham was founded by the same named gents in 1826, and was soon renamed 'Cavendish House Silk Mercery Establishment', a very catchy name for a shop! Over the next century Cavendish House (Cav, as its known locally) expanded along the Prom, buying up neighbouring shops and houses until it had the longest shop front in town, at around 170 feet. The store now has many different departments including menswear, ladies clothes, shoes, electrical, homeware and the inevitable perfume counters. Its pretty much like all department stores worldwide. But not many can boast such a long history and feature an antique clock of the future!
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5 comments:
I wonder what the 1826 art nouveau windowed frontage looked like?
I like the clock too. Swinging sixties what fun! Do you know any sixties stories of Cheltenham, Marley? Not suggesting you are of an age at all, just wondering if you know any, since you've been here longer than i.
As I wasn't born until the 70's I'm afraid I don't, apart from the Beatles playing at the Odeon. I'll see what I can find out for you!
I quite like this too.
If you go in store, there are 2 photos on the 1st floor and 2nd floor landings showing the store in its victorian heyday!!
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