The Under Glass

Today's post has been inspired by Petrea at Pasadena Daily Photo. Actually I just copied here but imitation is the highest form of flattery, or something like that! Anyway, when I saw her photos I remembered we had the same glass skylights in the pavement in Cheltenham too, and thought they were worth sharing with you. Basically they let some natural light into the basements below. These examples are on the Prom by the HSBC bank. Most of them have been filled in with tarmac but two still survive. I think they are a really ingenious design feature.

Born Free

At last, I've finished work for my holidays! Yesterday was my last day for 18 whole days and next Wednesday we are off to the Greek Island of Rhodes. I can't wait! What better way to illustrate the fact than this shop sign?!

As of next Monday I'm handing Cheltenham DP over to you, my dedicated visitors. If you'd like one of your photos to feature here then send me an email (details in my profile.) Thanks so much to those of you who have sent me some fantastic images so far. You know who you are. As I'm in holiday mode you can tell me what you want to see here tomorrow - either a bank in black and white or a shoppers starry sky. Let me know!

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Caffeine Fix

Costa Coffee has finally moved in. You may remember I posted on this place when it was still the Dobells pub and more recently I posted on the Coat of Arms above the door and now, to keep you all updated, here it is as a chain coffee shop. In true Cheltenham style I think it stands out from all those hundreds of other Costa's around the country. Don't ask me what the inside is like as I don't drink coffee or tea! I'll have to go in for a hot chocolate. I'll report back.

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Looking Up

Ornate features like this one are just waiting to be seen. The problem is that most of the detail on buildings is above eye level, and my problem is I never look up. Until now. Taking my lead from other CDPB, I looked skywards and saw all sorts of interesting things. This narrow bay window is up on the side of the building used by HSBC bank. The building dates from 1890 and is on the Colonnade, at the top of the Promenade. The building is awash with relief carvings and balustrades, its a fine example of the architecture of the time.

For those that are interested the motto underneath the window, Cum Prudentia Sedulus, means Diligent With Prudence.

(I know I've shown pigeons several times before, but the ones in this photo are an added bonus!)

Protected Antiques

Promenade Antiques is, not surprisingly, on the Promenade in Cheltenham, opposite the Colonnade. This little shop has been there as long as I can remember and mainly sells gold and silver jewellery, watches, and ornaments. People are always stopping to look at all the interesting items in the window, eyeing up the latest shiny trinkets. Last year the shop was in the news as a car full of men pulled up outside, jumped out and tried to smash the window to steal the treasures behind the glass. Luckily for the shop owner (but not the robbers) two shopfitters, working on the refurbishment of a shop opposite, ran over and fought them off. The thieves made off empty handed and the workmen were local heroes, for a day or two at least.

Martin & Co

Martin & Co jewellers is the oldest jewellers in Cheltenham, established in 1806. Situated on the Colonnade, at the North end of the Promenade, it proudly calls itself "the County Jewellers" and this is proved by the fact it provides the Gold Cup for the Cheltenham horse race in March. They create and sell many pieces of fine jewellery as well as silverware and watches. The Colonnade was first built in 1791 and was intended to be for shops selling fine goods. The original plans for a grand row of shops of some length didn't materialise and so a small version was finished. In 1935 the original Colonnade was demolished to make way for a fountain, smaller shops and a traffic roundabout. This is how the Colonnade looks these days with Martin & Co being one of the shops on what has become a fancy traffic island.