I am a great supporter of the medieval-sized lanes behind the High Street in the centre of Bath, and have always been keen to support the idea of promoting them in some way to shoppers and tourists alike.
Brighton has its famous ‘Lanes’ and l don’t know why we can’t do something similar.
Going up to the Assembly Rooms, ironwork that once supported the name of a department store now proudly proclaims the area as being the ‘Bartlett Street Quarter’ – a sign that glistens in the sunshine.
Now take a look at a before and after for Northumberland Place – one of the lanes in question.
Do you see the ironwork supporting the Leslie’s shop sign?
The store has gone but the ironwork is still there. Couldn’t that be used to support a sign saying ‘Bath Lanes’ or something similar?
A whip-round amongst the traders would soon raise the cash!
What do other people think?
Great idea ! Marian
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One sign does not make the ‘Bath Lanes’. Maybe a definite list of the narrow streets in question might be a good start.
I agree they’re intriguing for those new, and less new, to them.
Good idea
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I do so agree with you about this. In the days of Leslie’s and Eileen’s, the garden shop on the other side, they were the prime movers in getting Northumberland Place lively and decorated. I have a colour picture from then which I’d be happy to send you, showing Eileen’s as well.
It needs someone with their energy to do the same.
I’m puzzled by the ironwork on the sign. It looks quite old and I wonder if it dates from the time of the Avondale Stores (circa 1860) which later became the Coeur de Lion circa 1888. It got taken over by Stoffels and they eventually moved it across the road to where it is now. Full story is in Bath Pubs. But it could even be older, as so many shops had signs.
As you say, it would be perfect for advertising the lanes. Union Passage looks very sad at the moment.
Kirsten