leamington spa post office (1846)
Bath Street
Illustrated London News 4 April 1846
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Architect: Charles(?) Elliston Year: 1846 Archive sources Warwickshire Archives PH0306/15 (photograph) Selected bibliographical references Leamington Spa Courier 30 May 1846, p. 2; 30 Jun 1888, p. 6 History Opened: 25 May 1846 Demolished: Jan 1872 |
Building description
From: The Leamington Spa Courier 30 May 1846, p. 2
In our last number we noticed the spirited manner in which it was intended to celebrate the birth-day of our august and beloved Sovereign, by the opening of a new Establishment specially devoted to the important purposes of our Local Post-Office. It is known that we are apt to indulge in antient reminiscences , and there are many in striking contrast with the recollections of MODERN LEAMINGTON in which we are too proud to indulge, because they are hurtful to none, and are indicative of a grateful remembrance of much that belongs to the past. We cannot, therefore, resist the temptation which the present opportunitv affords us, of remarking that there are many amongst us old enough to recollect when the rural inhabitants of our now beautiful Spa, and its visitant patrons, attracted hitherto, some years past, by the growing fame of its mineral springs — as now by a celebrity of medical skill with which no other provincial town can offer the least shadow of a comparison — were dependent for the daily and safe receipt of letters and papers, on a pedestrian carrier from the County Town; and thirty years hence, we are told, that had a mutton chop been desired to satisfy the hunger of some passing traveller, or medical aid been required to alleviate any of those pains which "flesh is heir to" Leamington must needs have sought it elsewhere. How marked, then, the contrast between the present and the past!
Monday last, the anniversary of the Queen's birth-day, having been fixed upon for the formal opening of the new Establishment, the day was looked forward to by those who had personally evinced some anxiety as to that very "important improvement, with an unusual degree of interest. The "bells of the Parish Church rang merry peals in honour of the day — the various public buildings displayed the usual silken standards of loyal adherence to the Reigning Monarch, whilst the hoisting of flags and streamers in the immediate vicinity of the Post-office, was abundant and appropriate. Not the least interesting sight were the letter-carriers, who, moved from the office for their first delivery soon after eight, a.m, attired in their new uniform, which consisted of a blue waistcoat and coat with red collar and cuff, and gold band round the hat, in a well-executed style of mutation of the metropolitan postmen. In this respect, ample justice was done to the arrangements of the day, by Mr. J. C. POWER, of Regent Street.
We are now called upon to notice the building itself, which, in a very short period of time, has, by the hand of a skilful artist, and the aid of expert workmen, been made to assume a very important character amongst the public establishments of the town, southwards of the Leam.
The order chosen for the portico of the new office is that generally known as the Roman Doric. In the dimensions of the particular members it deviates but little from the profile given by Sir William Chambers, perhaps the most beautiful of all the examples we possess of the order. It was thought however desirable to omit the ex-skulls which, in the example named, enriches the metopes, alternately with pateras, as not being appropriate to the object for which the portico was designed. The patera therefore in this case has heen used alone. The principal members constituting the entablature are, with one exception, strictly in accordance with the rule laid down by Sir William Chambers in his celebrated work, and all the proportions of the entire order as nearly as can be preserved. We are, however, almost inclined to question the judgment used in the selection of this particular style, where, as in the case before us, new work has to be connected with old, inasmuch as there is great difficulty, under such circumstances, in preserving the effect of unity throughout. "Of all entablatures," writes Sir William Chambers, "the Doric is the most difficult to distribute, on account of the large intervals between the centre of the tryglyps [sic] which neither admit of increase or diminution, without injuring the symmetry and regular beauty of the composition". The position of the tryglyps [sic] decides at once the distance of the columns from each other; and hence, as is evident in the Post-Office portico, it has been found no easy matter to arrange them so that no deviation should occur from the established rules, and yet if possible to make the new agree with certain portions of the old building, and so procure a proper combination of the whole. It is true that any difficulty of this nature would he obviated by omitting the tryglyps [sic] and leaving the entablature plain, as at the Colosseum in Rome, the colonnades of St. Peter's, of the Vatican, and other buildings at home and abroad. However, as the author before quoted observes, "this indeed is an easy expedient, but while it robs the order of its principal characteristic distinction leaves it poor, and very little superior to the Tuscan, the remedy seems desperate, and should never be employed hut as a last resource." Had any other Order been selected, where such rigid distribution of parts do not occur, the difficulties suggested would not have existed, and a more perfect work been the result. The portico consists of six fluted columns, earning an entablature with appropriate enrichments, surmounted by a blocking-course upon which are a parapet and balustrades. In the centre are placed the Royal Arms, whilst the extremities are ornamented with vases. In two panels are shields with the Royal monogram. The structure extends the entire length of the post-office and is 30 ft. 9 in. long, by 11 broad, and stands about 17 ft. high; affording a necessary and complete shelter to the public in bad weather, whilst paying or enquiring for letters, &c. In the centre of the window beneath the colonnade, is a sliding panel which is opened for those who have postage to defray, or applications to make; on each side, there are the upright openings for the letter boxes, above which are large brass plates with engraved notices on each, stating the time for opening or closing, &c. In the centre of the upper part of the window, an aperture is left for a large clock, the dial of which will be illuminated at night. It is expected to be completed, and fixed in the course of a week. The door at the north of the portico leads to the money-order department, neatly fitted up with a lining in imitation of marble. On the right hand is an opening with sliding panels, where applications for cash orders are to be made, opposite to which is a mahogany desk for the convenience of those who have papers to sign, &c. The arrangements inside are equally complete and satisfactory. In the front is a spacious office with all the conveniences required for the increased business of the Establishment, and for which the late premises had become totally inadequate. Several improvements have also been made in the internal fitting up, amongst which may he named an ingenious contrivance for closing and opening the boxes from the interior, manufactured by Mr. BOWEN, of Bath-street. At the back of this office is the sorting room, made sufficiently commodious, and, in every respect, suitable for the purposes to which it is appropriated. The whole indeed, upon inspection, appears to .be admirably arranged, and with due attention both to comfort and convenience. We find that the plan acted upon has received the sanction and approval of the Government Surveyor to the General Office, at whose instigation this great addition to the architectural beauties of our town has chiefly been effected. The columns in front of the building are of cast iron from the foundry of Messrs. SMITH, JAMES, and Co. and reflect much credit on that respectable firm. The erection of the portico was placed under the superintendence of Mr. GOOLD, of the Union Parade, who has proved himself worthy of the task by the efficient manner in which the whole work has been carried out. The fittings-up of the interior were left to the experienced hands of Mr. MILLMAN. In about a fortnight or three weeks the entire structure will be painted throughout, when this great acquisition and ornament to the town of Leamington will be brought to completion.
In the evening of Monday, the different workmen engaged in completing the portico, were invited by the Postmaster (Mr. E. ENOCH), to celebrate the occasion at the Crown Hotel, in connexion with a supper to the clerks and letter carriers. The architect (Mr. C. ELLISTON) was also present, and several other respectable individuals intimately connected with carrying out the work itself, or otherwise interested in the welfare of the Spa, or identified with it in a public capacity. The repast t provided was all that might have been expected from the able catering at "the Crown". After supper, a variety of toasts were proposed and responded to with much good feeling, and the vocal attractions of the evening were greatly enhanced by the untiring efforts of our old friend HARTLEY, whose humourous ditties kept the whole company in one continuous state of merriment. Mr. E. ADAMS, of Stratford, also largely contributed by his chaste and pleasing execution of several songs, to the enjoyment which prevailed. There was, in addition, some good glee-singing. The meeting was a happy and rational union of men interested in the permanent prosperity of the town; and when about midnight, their national feelings were forcibly appealed to by the singing of "God save the Queen." none left the festive board without wishing well to the respected host and chairman of the evening — the Postmaster of Leamington.
In our last number we noticed the spirited manner in which it was intended to celebrate the birth-day of our august and beloved Sovereign, by the opening of a new Establishment specially devoted to the important purposes of our Local Post-Office. It is known that we are apt to indulge in antient reminiscences , and there are many in striking contrast with the recollections of MODERN LEAMINGTON in which we are too proud to indulge, because they are hurtful to none, and are indicative of a grateful remembrance of much that belongs to the past. We cannot, therefore, resist the temptation which the present opportunitv affords us, of remarking that there are many amongst us old enough to recollect when the rural inhabitants of our now beautiful Spa, and its visitant patrons, attracted hitherto, some years past, by the growing fame of its mineral springs — as now by a celebrity of medical skill with which no other provincial town can offer the least shadow of a comparison — were dependent for the daily and safe receipt of letters and papers, on a pedestrian carrier from the County Town; and thirty years hence, we are told, that had a mutton chop been desired to satisfy the hunger of some passing traveller, or medical aid been required to alleviate any of those pains which "flesh is heir to" Leamington must needs have sought it elsewhere. How marked, then, the contrast between the present and the past!
Monday last, the anniversary of the Queen's birth-day, having been fixed upon for the formal opening of the new Establishment, the day was looked forward to by those who had personally evinced some anxiety as to that very "important improvement, with an unusual degree of interest. The "bells of the Parish Church rang merry peals in honour of the day — the various public buildings displayed the usual silken standards of loyal adherence to the Reigning Monarch, whilst the hoisting of flags and streamers in the immediate vicinity of the Post-office, was abundant and appropriate. Not the least interesting sight were the letter-carriers, who, moved from the office for their first delivery soon after eight, a.m, attired in their new uniform, which consisted of a blue waistcoat and coat with red collar and cuff, and gold band round the hat, in a well-executed style of mutation of the metropolitan postmen. In this respect, ample justice was done to the arrangements of the day, by Mr. J. C. POWER, of Regent Street.
We are now called upon to notice the building itself, which, in a very short period of time, has, by the hand of a skilful artist, and the aid of expert workmen, been made to assume a very important character amongst the public establishments of the town, southwards of the Leam.
The order chosen for the portico of the new office is that generally known as the Roman Doric. In the dimensions of the particular members it deviates but little from the profile given by Sir William Chambers, perhaps the most beautiful of all the examples we possess of the order. It was thought however desirable to omit the ex-skulls which, in the example named, enriches the metopes, alternately with pateras, as not being appropriate to the object for which the portico was designed. The patera therefore in this case has heen used alone. The principal members constituting the entablature are, with one exception, strictly in accordance with the rule laid down by Sir William Chambers in his celebrated work, and all the proportions of the entire order as nearly as can be preserved. We are, however, almost inclined to question the judgment used in the selection of this particular style, where, as in the case before us, new work has to be connected with old, inasmuch as there is great difficulty, under such circumstances, in preserving the effect of unity throughout. "Of all entablatures," writes Sir William Chambers, "the Doric is the most difficult to distribute, on account of the large intervals between the centre of the tryglyps [sic] which neither admit of increase or diminution, without injuring the symmetry and regular beauty of the composition". The position of the tryglyps [sic] decides at once the distance of the columns from each other; and hence, as is evident in the Post-Office portico, it has been found no easy matter to arrange them so that no deviation should occur from the established rules, and yet if possible to make the new agree with certain portions of the old building, and so procure a proper combination of the whole. It is true that any difficulty of this nature would he obviated by omitting the tryglyps [sic] and leaving the entablature plain, as at the Colosseum in Rome, the colonnades of St. Peter's, of the Vatican, and other buildings at home and abroad. However, as the author before quoted observes, "this indeed is an easy expedient, but while it robs the order of its principal characteristic distinction leaves it poor, and very little superior to the Tuscan, the remedy seems desperate, and should never be employed hut as a last resource." Had any other Order been selected, where such rigid distribution of parts do not occur, the difficulties suggested would not have existed, and a more perfect work been the result. The portico consists of six fluted columns, earning an entablature with appropriate enrichments, surmounted by a blocking-course upon which are a parapet and balustrades. In the centre are placed the Royal Arms, whilst the extremities are ornamented with vases. In two panels are shields with the Royal monogram. The structure extends the entire length of the post-office and is 30 ft. 9 in. long, by 11 broad, and stands about 17 ft. high; affording a necessary and complete shelter to the public in bad weather, whilst paying or enquiring for letters, &c. In the centre of the window beneath the colonnade, is a sliding panel which is opened for those who have postage to defray, or applications to make; on each side, there are the upright openings for the letter boxes, above which are large brass plates with engraved notices on each, stating the time for opening or closing, &c. In the centre of the upper part of the window, an aperture is left for a large clock, the dial of which will be illuminated at night. It is expected to be completed, and fixed in the course of a week. The door at the north of the portico leads to the money-order department, neatly fitted up with a lining in imitation of marble. On the right hand is an opening with sliding panels, where applications for cash orders are to be made, opposite to which is a mahogany desk for the convenience of those who have papers to sign, &c. The arrangements inside are equally complete and satisfactory. In the front is a spacious office with all the conveniences required for the increased business of the Establishment, and for which the late premises had become totally inadequate. Several improvements have also been made in the internal fitting up, amongst which may he named an ingenious contrivance for closing and opening the boxes from the interior, manufactured by Mr. BOWEN, of Bath-street. At the back of this office is the sorting room, made sufficiently commodious, and, in every respect, suitable for the purposes to which it is appropriated. The whole indeed, upon inspection, appears to .be admirably arranged, and with due attention both to comfort and convenience. We find that the plan acted upon has received the sanction and approval of the Government Surveyor to the General Office, at whose instigation this great addition to the architectural beauties of our town has chiefly been effected. The columns in front of the building are of cast iron from the foundry of Messrs. SMITH, JAMES, and Co. and reflect much credit on that respectable firm. The erection of the portico was placed under the superintendence of Mr. GOOLD, of the Union Parade, who has proved himself worthy of the task by the efficient manner in which the whole work has been carried out. The fittings-up of the interior were left to the experienced hands of Mr. MILLMAN. In about a fortnight or three weeks the entire structure will be painted throughout, when this great acquisition and ornament to the town of Leamington will be brought to completion.
In the evening of Monday, the different workmen engaged in completing the portico, were invited by the Postmaster (Mr. E. ENOCH), to celebrate the occasion at the Crown Hotel, in connexion with a supper to the clerks and letter carriers. The architect (Mr. C. ELLISTON) was also present, and several other respectable individuals intimately connected with carrying out the work itself, or otherwise interested in the welfare of the Spa, or identified with it in a public capacity. The repast t provided was all that might have been expected from the able catering at "the Crown". After supper, a variety of toasts were proposed and responded to with much good feeling, and the vocal attractions of the evening were greatly enhanced by the untiring efforts of our old friend HARTLEY, whose humourous ditties kept the whole company in one continuous state of merriment. Mr. E. ADAMS, of Stratford, also largely contributed by his chaste and pleasing execution of several songs, to the enjoyment which prevailed. There was, in addition, some good glee-singing. The meeting was a happy and rational union of men interested in the permanent prosperity of the town; and when about midnight, their national feelings were forcibly appealed to by the singing of "God save the Queen." none left the festive board without wishing well to the respected host and chairman of the evening — the Postmaster of Leamington.
