Edmund de Jersey Clere designed this shop for jeweller Patrick Francis (‘Frank’) O’Connor, of the firm Messrs O’Connor & Tydeman in 1923. O’Connor and his former business partner, Mr F. Tydeman, had founded a jewellery and watchmaking business in 1900. However, Tydeman returned to England in March 1907, leaving only his surname.
Messrs O’Connor & Tydeman moved into its new shop in early spring 1923, with Barry & Freeman Ltd., Dentists, based upstairs. Later that year the business was sold to another local jeweller, Mr N.D. Stubbs. Stubbs remained there until 1983. Various other businesses have occupied it since then.
Both this and the neighbouring Hepworth (‘Steeles’) building are designed in the late Edwardian Free Style, a style that drew its inspiration from the Renaissance. The presence of a similar-sized building next door has enhanced and emphasised the pleasing design of the two shops.
