Bank of Ireland
Royal Avenue , Belfast. J V Downes 1928
Probably the first art deco building in Ulster. Dublin architect J V Downes designed this important corner branch bank for the Bank of Ireland in 1928 and it was completed in 1929. It is visible the full length of Royal Avenue. The interior banking hall is suprisingly small, with much of the building used for office space. Seemingly unpopular when built, it has gained a deco neighbour in the Sinclair store across the street. The clock was spot on when this photograph was taken on 18 August 1998. In early 2007, this bank was closed and it seemed to be empty. What will happen to this little jewel?