Wednesday 24 April 2013

O is for Old Father Time


Old Father Time with scythe and bell above Winter's on Little Underbank. A former shop building constructed in the late 19th century was remodelled in the 1900s and again in the 1990s. The upper floors were decorated with three semi-circular headed niches, each with a pedimented canopy, hanging bell and a shaped plinth supporting a painted figure, to the left a soldier, to the centre Father Time, and to the right a sailor, each connected to the bell. A projecting illuminated square clock-face also hangs above the doorway.


Here is the view from the top of St Petersgate Bridge.

Jacob Winter, a successful Jewish businessman, established a watch and clock repair business here at 23 Little Underbank in around 1890, expanding into #25 in the early 1900s, when the frontage was remodelled. The shop front included a patent mechanism to lower the entire display into the basement, for security. The clock has been restored and re-built on several occasions due to traffic damage. The jewellers closed in the 1980s and the premises have since been in use as a bar.

A contribution to ABC Wednesday.

11 comments:

  1. That is great! You'd never see anything like it here, for sure, though.

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  2. that is sooo quaint!
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  3. Fascinating post and photography ~ Great for O ^_^

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  4. What interesting stuff! I wonder if it could still be lowered to the basement...

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  5. That is really a cool building. Love Father Time. Glad the building is still in use.
    Ann

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  6. Such an interesting building facade!

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  7. This Saturday 22nd June. Little Underbank will be holding its first Summer Festival with food and craft stalls music and dance 10am -10pm. The whole street will be filled with chatter and laughter. Do come along if you can make it

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  8. Did the bells above the figures work or just for decorative purposes? Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Yes I believe so but the bar closed down a few years ago with the promise of restoration but nothing has happened yet. Maybe one day it'll be restored again but don't hold your breath.

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    2. Thanks Gerald, was asking because my daughter works opposite. Think it's just been sold because people have been in there all week measuring up. Looks like a restaurant will open.

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