Partridge, Bromley

Built in 1927 for the National Provincial Bank by architects Gunton & Gunton. The building is an example of the Arts & Crafts "Neo Georgian" movement, seeking to emulate the 1670s architectural style of nearby Bromley College. Grade II listed in 1993 by Historic England (entry 1186830), when this was the National Westminster (NatWest) Bank, which states: "Built in 1927, architects Gunton and Gunton, for the National Provincial Bank. Florid Neo-Georgian style in handmade variegated red brick with Portland stone dressings and state roof with brick and stone chimneystack. Wedge-shaped site with office building of 2 storeys and attics 3 windows to front and single storey banking hall with 3 windows behind. Front building has hipped roof with dormer with curved pediment. Parapet with panels of stone balustrading and Portland stone urns at corners. Deep modillion cornice. Full-height engaged Corinthian piers at corners. First floor has 12-pane sashes with curved architraves and keystones. Ground floor has taller windows with glazing bars to upper part only with keystone and brick panels above and stone panels below. Central doorcase has curved open pediment with scrolled cartouche above keystone with date 1927, engaged columns with plumed capitals, rectangular fanlight and double doors with 3 fielded panels to each. Left side elevation is curved with panelled parapet, one 8-pane sash to first floor and elaborate cartouche to ground floor. Banking hall to rear has 3 18-pane sashes with panels above. Plinth. Interior has central circular vestibule with black and white marble floor, pilasters, cornice and ceiling with design of ovolo moulding and fasces. Original doors with bevel-edged glass panels, the set leading into the banking hall curved to be flush with the shape of the vestibule. Rectangular banking hall has cornice, pilasters, marble floor and probably original counters."