Alterations to Bank Premises, Matlock

BANKING PREMISES AT MATLOCK FOR MESSRS WILLIAMS DEACON'S BANK LTD. -This interesting and characteristic house of 18th‑century date has for some time been used as a bank. Its quiet, well‑proportioned stone exterior has, however, been to some extent spoiled by an unsightly addition on thee side facing the public road, and the entrance, with its flight of circular steps, has up to now served both for bank and manager's residence. The alterations and additions now in progress consist mainly in providing increased accommodation for the banking business, and entirely disconnecting the same from the manager's house. By lowering the floor‑level of bank the interior proportions are improved and an easier approach for the public is obtained. The new entrance vestibule has been designed so as to completely mask the unsightly addition referred to above, and will be executed in Stancliffe stone. The interior is being entirely remodelled, with rich plaster ceiling, marble floor, walls panelled in pine (painted), the fittings, screens, etc., in mahogany, and entrance‑door in oak. The manager's house contains some good plaster details of the period, and has a charming old staircase, screened from the hall by an arcade. No architectural feature of the old building will be disturbed (except the lowering of the sills of bank windows), and as it stands in well‑timbered grounds, it will to a large extent retain its old‑world character.  The work is being carried out by Mr. J. W. Wildgoose, contractor, of Matlock, from the designs and under the direction of Messrs J. Langham and A. R. Parker, architects, of Manchester. The drawing illustrated herewith is now on view at the Royal Academy.

Reference           Building News 10 May 1912 page 667