Photograph of 1-3 College Street, Winchester
Taken in 1934
The substantial premises of J Laverty's antiques and reproduction furniture showrooms dominate this corner of College Street. The family moved into this area of Winchester in about 1906 etablishing a carvers' shop in St Swithun Street, and took over premises in College Street three years later. They specialised in restoration and additions to old houses and in ecclesiastical work such as reredos, fonts and lecterns, as well as in the repair and restoration of antique furniture. Contracts in hand in 1934 included bookcases and furniture for the new library at Winchester College and a carved chancel screen for the newly built Church of St James at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. They also undertook commissions in neighbouring counties and as far afield as Northumberland.
This building with its varied architectural features awaits demolition, although Laverty's woodworking business continued in St Swithun Street into the 1950s.
The photograph was taken by Winchester photographer F B Heathcote Wride.
