Appraisal

No. 14, Earlham Street

Listed at Grade II, no. 14, Earlham Street dates from the early-19^th century and contains one of the finest, surviving 19^th-century shopfronts in the area. However, the front wall of the three upper storeys above the shopfront appears to have been rebuilt sometime in the post-war years.

While the detailing of the heads of the window openings and the window joinery is poorly resolved, the shopfront survives in excellent condition – even down to details like the restored shutters. The joinery is smartly painted in dark green and the fascia has excellent lettering in black and gold. This is the standard of fascia lettering which should be prevalent throughout the conservation area. There is a small hanging sign and also an old, enamel wall sign fixed to the face of the building at first floor level ‘F.W. Collins - Established 1835 - Elastic glue manufacturer - Leather grindery and General ironmonger – Warehouse’.

This ironmongers was one of the longest running businesses in Seven Dials and traded into the new millenium It is excellent that, despite the cessation of the old use, the character of the shopfront and the old enamel sign have been preserved by the new occupants.

The property is of particular architectural and historic interest and the shopfront and enamel sign of considerable townscape value contributing to the character, appearance and significance of the Seven Dials Conservation Area.

There is scope for modest improvement of the property. The existing, casement windows at third floor level should be replaced with properly detailed sash window joinery and the external brickwork carefully toned to match to provide a suitably weathered appearance.