Mansers, Shrewsbury

Date      1992

Arrol and Snell was commissioned by antique dealers Mansers to turn a disused warehouse unit in a conservation area into an imposing shop front for their business.

After completing a number of successful shop-front designs within the historic town, Arrol and Snell had gained significant experience and confidence in retail design. The design would have to incorporate both a large area for displaying the antique wares as well as accommodating vehicular access to the shop space behind.

The classical facade design achieves the effect by giving the dealers a sophisticated presence on the street. The entire portico was constructed off-site in timber and then winched in place. Vehicular access was provided by the introduction of an ‘in and out’ system on either side of the portico, allowing for a complete symmetry of design.