range from hideous examples of commercialism to exquisite
examples of contemporary design. Jonathan Taylor outlines their
historic development and the importance of good detailing.
Illustrations of typical details are supplied by John Clenshaw,
Historic Shopfronts. origins of the traditional shopfront lie in
the market stalls of the Middle Ages. Prior to the industrial
revolution and the vast urban development which accompanied it,
retail trade was dominated by the market. The earliest shops
were generally simple variations of the market stall, and only
partly enclosed by the building. An awning over a projecting
stall was common. In another variation, the opening was
protected by two horizontal shutters; the top one folding up to
double as an awning or 'pet roof', and the lower one folding
down to form the stall board. Today the term 'stall-riser' is
still used to describe the front of the shopfront below the
window. 1. Elevation showing elements of late 18th and early
19th century shopfronts. Note the entab