This still futuristic-looking, 'Moderne' building was built in 1938-9 by the Derby Co-Operative Society's own Building Department, of Bridge Gate, Derby, the original canopy around the top of the ground floor being to a design by Swanser & Son Limited, Rock Street, London, drafted by Bannister Walton. This has unfortunately been removed, though it has recently been replaced - admittedly not to the original design, though - in the latest renovation of the building, which has unfortunately also included the somewhat jarring screen. Nevertheless, it is a relief that this building is here at all in view of what nearly happened to it at the turn of the 1980s to the 1990s. It was due for demolition under a scheme to encase the street in glass and replace most of the buildings to make way for a shopping precinct - promoted by East Midlands Co-Operative Society and Bryants. This scheme was killed off by high interest rates. A subsequent scheme to close down the buildings and sell them off also fell through. After a recent history like that the recent renovations are a remarkable turn-around in the building's fortunes and a tremendous vote of confidence in its future by the Co-Op. The spiral staircase (I am unable to get permission for internal photography) is a constant delight when one thinks of all the feet that have tripped up and down them since 1939.

It is evident from the original plans that the initial intention may have been for a more piecemeal re-development of the previous building, since as at 19.01.1938 (Plan No. 16916) much of the longer side, along Exchange Street, was still to be approved - "extra to previous approval" being the form of words - that already approved (Plan No. 16248) was the portion behind the main frontage, that along the back-street leading to St. Peter's Street, Thorntree Lane and a small portion on the actual corner of East Street and Exchange Street itself, the plan dated 23.12.1935. It seems that Derby may not have even had this magnificent monument to the 'Moderne' in the first instance - or if so, certainly one with nowhere near the same breathtaking expanse of thirties 'Moderne' glazing. It's all still there in the original metal frames and I'd like to know if any other British provincial departmental store designed in that style from that era still exists in that state. If all this doesn't make it 'list-able' I don't know what does! Isn't it all rather a good advertisement for not going with the initial plan?

Below are a couple of links to other (now removed) items of architecture designed by Swanser & Son
Canopy at the Odeon Cinema, Exeter
Canopy at the Rembrandt Cinema, Ewell

Current 'Derby Art Deco Audit' threat level: Safe.

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