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Shrewsbury's historic threshold mosaics
Decorating the entrances to many of Shrewsbury’s businesses are threshold mosaics. Throwbacks to Victorian and 20th century marketing, these mosaics often acted as branded signage for the businesses that used to occupy the town.
We’ve collected just a few of Shrewsbury’s more interesting examples for you to enjoy here - but to see them all, you'll have to go out exploring yourself!
H Hillier
27-28 Mardol
Hillier has been a well-known name on Shrewsbury’s Mardol since the mid 1800s.
H Hillier Cook and Confectionary occupied 29 Mardol in 1888 - we know because its owner was photographed that year, standing proudly on the threshold.
Later, the business became F Hillier, still a grocer and confectioner.
The mosaic can still be found in the doorway between Watson and Thornton and The Curry House.
Morris & Co
60 Wyle Cop
One of Shrewsbury’s oldest businesses, Morris and Co has operated from premises throughout the town and Wyle Cop is no exception.
In 1910 Fanny Morris, daughter of James Kent Morris, was asked to look after Deakin & Company, a recent acquisition by the Morris brothers located at 60 Wyle Cop. An experienced baker and confectioner with a penchant for cake decorating, Fanny, along with her sister Minnie, had previously set up a confectionary at 75a Wyle Cop under the name of Morris and Co.
Over the coming years the property was extended and improved, and two more confectionary shops were later added to Morris & Co’s portfolio.
The Morris & Co mosaic can still be seen outside 60 Wyle Cop, now Charlie Vintage Clothing
H Lee & Co
13 The Square
For over a century H Lee and Company, a family grocers and wine merchants, occupied Shrewsbury’s town square. Moving from number 17 to number 13 in the late 1930s to allow the expansion of Shirehall, now Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.
You can still find their threshold mosaic, a particularly colourful example, outside Carvell on the Square, 13 The Square.
Mansells
17 Wyle Cop
Mansells was a popular Shrewsbury newsagent for well over a decade. Purveyors of toys, stationery and art supplies, their threshold mosaic is still visible at 17 Wyle Cop.
The building is now occupied by Otti, a brand new restaurant and bar by the team behind Mondi.
Those with a keen eye will spot some newer mosaics as they explore the town. Joining Shrewsbury’s retail scene in 2015, national favourite Seasalt also opted to update its threshold mosaic to reflect the current occupier.
There are many more threshold mosaics to be spotted on your journey around Shrewsbury, some decorated with the names of historic businesses, others with decorative designs – but all waiting to be discovered.
Some more examples Interiors at St Mary's Street, The Antique Barometer & Clock Shop, and 29 Castle Street.
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