Located in the Bank Conservation Area Copthall House was constructed around 1892, with character façade and was previously used as a bank premises
The existing building at Copthall House dates from the very end of the 19th century, and is one of a smaller number of historic buildings/ façades that remain along this part of the street. These elements are now experienced alongside generally larger scale and more modem blocks as part of an overall diverse and contrasting wider townscape context.
The recognised ‘The Buildings of England’ (Pevsner guides) series on architectural history, describes the building as: “… the former Mathiesons the printers, is by T. Barnes Williams, 1892. Classical, with two storeys with enormous windows between giant piers: an extreme case of this common late C19 device for maximising daylight. Cross-windows on the top floors.”
The architectural style of this building is perhaps familiar for the period; employing historically inspired features and detailing in a free way to adapt to a grander scale and more modem construction methods. The use of Classical motifs and stone facing is typical for the City. The larger proportions of the windows on each of the main floor levels, is likely reflective of the original use as a print shop, which would have benefited particularly from light penetrating into the depth of the building.
The parapet/ cornice line of the frontage is given interest with pediments to each of the outer bays and a taller central feature. Square French mansard-like roofs, sit behind each pediment of the outer bays as pavilions.
