14-18 Bradshawgate Leigh
The three storey building with a central gable is impressive because of its stone detailing, producing a grid of window openings. At the ends and at the central gables are continuous pilasters from ground level to the roof parapet wall. On the upper storeys these are brick, banded with buff stone but at shop front level dark red polished granite on grey granite plinths was used. At first floor notice the classical, Ionic order pilasters with their capitals surmounted by a classical entablature incorporating a cornice across the top. The pattern or rhythm of verticals across the facade is complex and interesting being made up of full and three-quarter stone pilasters, simpler stone mullions and brick piers with the outer sections being considerably wider than the central section. Note how deeply recessed the windows are and how the sash window frames slide up and down behind the horizontal stone transoms. The top floor is simpler, with stone bands (as in the gable) but the centre is emphasised by the tall window with its eared or widened architrave at the upper section and the elaborate cartouche above. Here we can note the initials J.C.P. for this was the office designed and built by the architect JC Prestwich for his practice, which remained here until 1989. In the 1970s with over 50 staff, it was one of the largest professional firms in Leigh. J C Prestwich and Sons were responsible for much of the late 19th Century and early 20th Century architecture of Leigh especially in the town centre as well as many commissions elsewhere.