2-913-970 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The London and Westminster Bank - Holborn Branch, 1854. 'Those who kept their accounts at this branch a year or two ago will remember the stifling air which met them on opening the shop door of the old place - ceiling about ten feet high - gas burning all day - dirt, darkness, and discomfort, everywhere - unfit even for the passing visit of a customer, and most obnoxious to the health of the employees doomed to inhale the foetid atmosphere daily for eight or nine hours. A healthful change has, however, been made. We now enter, through doors of British oak, one of the handsomest and most convenient offioes in London; giving immediately an impression of ample space, abundant light, and proper ventilation...The elevation is entirely of Portland stone'. The architect was Henry Baker. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.