Belfast in the Victorian era was a city of great prosperity, reflected in the plethora of banks built during this time. Many of these new banks took their inspiration from grand and opulent civic buildings: town halls, courts and custom houses. This architectural extravagance invested banks with prestige and instilled trust in customers whilst the imposing new headquarters transformed the skyline.
Such was the quality of design that bank buildings - like the majestic Merchant Hotel - are nowadays often candidates for redevelopment as boutique hotels. This charming tour brings to life an era when bigger meant better, when opulence equated to trustworthiness, and when bankers were happy to show off that they controlled the purse strings.
Tour departs PLACE, 40 Fountain Street.
Such was the quality of design that bank buildings - like the majestic Merchant Hotel - are nowadays often candidates for redevelopment as boutique hotels. This charming tour brings to life an era when bigger meant better, when opulence equated to trustworthiness, and when bankers were happy to show off that they controlled the purse strings.
Tour departs PLACE, 40 Fountain Street.
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| Image by Eva McDermott. |