1928 – Burton, 21-22 Grafton Street, Dublin

A prominent corner four-storey commercial building, having five bays to Duke Street, a canted corner with octagonal dome overhead, and a further three bays to Grafton Street. The doorway to the upper floors on Duke Street has the date 1918 in the parapet. Built in a stripped classical style typical of the early 20th century. Rebuilt for Burton’s menswear in 1928 by inhouse architect Harry Wilson. Unfortunately, the original Burton’s shop fascia is gone. Burton’s were particularly keen on corner sites, and sometimes would move their store if one came up. Clad in stone-coloured Carraware tiles by Doultons of Lambeth, sadly missing the parapet to Grafton Street.

Evidence of Burton’s abounds, the small balconette has a B in its design, and there is also the polished foundation stone. As with other Burton’s stores, the foundation stone was laid by one of Montague Burton’s children, some of whom were quite young. This store has two – the Duke Street facade bears the inscription “This stone laid by Barbara Jessie Burton 1928”; and Grafton Street “This stone laid by Stanley Howard Burton 1928”. Barbara would have been nineteen, Charles fourteen at this time.