Whitakers Department Store, Deansgate, Bolton

The premises at the corner of Deansgate and Old Hall Street have been erected by Messrs. Whitaker from designs prepared by and under the superintendence of Mr. George Crowther. The contractors have been W. Z. Seddon, excavating, concreting, and brickwork ; Redpath, Brown and Co., Ltd., of Manchester, ironwork; W. Townson and Sons, Ltd., joiners and builders; James Vause and Soms, plumbing; Bolton Stone and Concrete Co., stonework; H.} and R. Jones, plastering; William Altham, tiling and slating ; Watson and Watson, decorating; and Allman and Co., Manchester, electric lighting. A special floor has been laid by the Kleine Patent Fire-Resisting Flooring Syndicate | Ltd. The floors have been covered by a special compound called “Durolithic,” and carried out by Messrs. W. White and Co., Manchester. Shop front and fittings, Messrs. Sage and Co., Ltd. The cash system is that of the Lamson Pneumatic Tube Co., Ltd. The architecture adopted both to Deansgate and Old Hall Street is Elizabethan, the half-timbered work being of old oak principally from buildings erected two to four hundred years ago in the neighbourhood of Bolton. If only the history of this old oak could be read, it would be of momentous interest. for instance, some of it shadowed the footpath very near, if not actually, the spot where the Earl of Derby was beheaded in Bolton. 

Walter White and Co., 16, Deansgate, Manchester, also supplied Callender’s pure bitumen dampcourse which lined all the walls of the basement; also the patent improved pavement light, which had worked out very satisfactorily. The “Durolithic” composition flooring which has been laid down had been universally admired. both for its cleanliness, beauty and warmth. The whole of the shop-front has been finished in oak. but the business requirements have necessitated enormous sheets of glass for display purposes, bringing that portion of the building up to most recent lines. Upon entering the shop, you at once obtain a full view of the shop floor, with its spacious and unique staircase and well, the whole being lighted by circular dome 17 feet in diameter. Looking to the left an extremely pretty feature is the staircase leading to the unpacking room and office, which are raised about four feet above the shop floor, so that a supervision can be obtained. The greater portion of the first floor is also used for show purposes. there being in addition fitting rooms and excellent cloak-room and lavatory accommodation for the shop assistants. There is also a tearoom. of which a special feature has been made both in the furnishing and decorating. The second floor is occupied by a work room, store-room, girls' dining room, and kitchen. As far as possible the interior architecture has been carried out in keeping with the exterior. [Farnworth Chronicle 9 November 1907 page 14]