Branch Openings: 1933 to 1939

The Bank recorded each of the official openings of its permanent branches with a series of photographs.
This series normally included views of the branch's exterior and interior; a copy of the commemoration
tablet affixed to an interior wall of the branch; a record of the dignitaries who attended the opening
ceremony; and photographs of the assembled crowd. Selections of photographs from these events are
included in individual branch entries - this page portrays examples of other aspects of opening ceremonies
in the years 1933 to 1939. Further examples are shown for the following years:
1921 to 1925
1927 to 1928
1929 to 1932
1940 to 1976
Yardley -
May 12th 1933:
Generally, the official photographer
recorded only the frontage of the new
branch. The very large,
free-standing premises at Yardley
required this angled view to illustrate
the building's full proportions, and
show a shop unit that was
incorporated into the premises at one
end - a similar unit was at the other
end






Yardley -
May 12th 1933:
Most of the official photographs
recorded the principal dignitaries in
the branch doorway prior to the
opening ceremony. Here the Lord
Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Chairman,
and the General Manager are shown
leaving after the event. A number of
local children have managed to
include themselves in the photograph







Brandwood -
May 20th 1933:
Only twelve days after attending the
Yardley opening, the Lady Mayoress
arrives in her official limousine to
open Brandwood.















Brandwood -
May 20th 1933:
The same occasion, the Lord Mayor
addresses the assembled guests
inside the branch











Broad Street Head Office -
November 27th 1933:
The Bank's General Manager (J P
Hilton) leaves after the top-hatted
ceremony performed by HRH The
Prince George, KG















Longbridge -
September 7th 1935:
One of the informal photographs
that were occasionally taken at these
formal events. This one shows the
Lord Mayor (Alderman S J Grey)
patronising a local shop (to buy
cigarettes?) prior to the ceremony
commencing. His actions appear to
have amused the General Manager
(left) and the Bank's Chairman
(Councillor A H Cooper)






Sutton Coldfield -
July 13th 1936:
This group are on the customers' side
of the counter, intently listening to
the speeches made as the
commemorative tablet is unveiled.
They appear to consist of pillars of
local society, including the vicar










Solihull -
July 20th 1938:
The opening ceremony on this
occasion was performed by the
Chairman of Solihull Council
(Councillor H W Miller). He did not
have to travel far, as he is shown
here crossing Poplar Road from the
Council House to Solihull branch








Solihull -
July 20th 1938:
A similar situation to that recorded
at Sutton Coldfield, above. This
photograph shows a number of
features that were common to all
branches - cashiers' desks;
partitioned shelves for depositors to
complete deposit or withdrawal slips
(far wall); emergency gas light
fittings, and a clock