Appraisal

Nos. 60 & 62, Neal Street

No. 60 is a four-storey, brick-faced property which occupies the original plot size and retains its scale and some of its character, but was reconstructed in the early-19^th century. The property has been substantially and adversely altered. The pair of original sash-windows at third floor level have been lost and replaced with fixed glazing and glass louvres, the pair of original 6-over-6 subdivision of the sash-windows at first and second floor levels replaced by modern 2-over-2 subdivision, and the original shopfront seemingly completely lost and replaced in large areas of white-painted rendering and an excessively deep fascia.

In its present, substantially and adversely altered state, the property is of limited architectural interest and townscape value, contributing only modestly to the character, appearance and significance of the Seven Dials Conservation Area.

Despite this, there is considerable scope to recover the architectural integrity of the property and to provide an authentically proportioned and detailed shopfront at ground floor level. Such work should include the reinstatement of 6-over-6 subdivision to the sash windows at first, second and third floor levels and the full repair of the facing brickwork.

No. 62 is a three-storey, late-19^thcentury rebuilding, on the original plot, with a red brick elevation of some interest. Two 6-over-6 subdivided windows at first and second floor levels are set within segmental arched openings. The Victorian, decorative brick bosses at the upper level are a good feature. Only the cornice, the supporting capitals and the overpainted brick pilasters of the original shopfront survive. There is an over-deep fascia, and an unduly low stall-rise. The overall shopfront is further spoilt by being painted white.

A building of some architectural interest and particular townscape value, contributing positively to the character, appearance and significance of the Seven Dials Conservation Area.

Every encouragement should be given to reinstating a properly proportioned and detailed shopfront whilst retaining the original cornice, capitals and pilasters, and to repainting the entire shopfront in a traditional, dark colour.