Former Jewellers' Shop (James Hardy and Co)

This is a former jewellers' shop, built in 1886–87 as part of a block of flats with a parade of ground-floor shops. The shop front itself dates from approximately 1900–1905, or shortly thereafter. The building was originally constructed by Alexander Thorn, with completion handled by Matthews Brothers & Co. This listing covers only the ground-floor shop unit, not the residential premises above.

The shop front features pink granite pilasters with stylized Ionic capitals carved with figures, dating from the original construction period. The Edwardian-period shop front is double fronted with a central recessed lobby, low black granite stallrisers, and a timber fascia bearing carved lettering reading ‘Goldsmiths JAS. Hardy & Co. Silversmiths’. The shop front has a mahogany frame with curved plate-glass display windows on either side of the lobby, each containing a slender mullion with carved detail at the base and top. Elaborate Art Nouveau curvilinear glazing bars with bevelled glass are found in the transom lights, continuing as an arched fanlight over the lobby. The lobby soffit, featuring original mirror glass and a metal lantern, and the fanlight above the door are similarly decorated. The glazed door has scrolled decoration, an asymmetrical curving lower panel, and original brass door furniture. The lobby floor is tiled with coloured mosaic patterns, incorporating Art Nouveau motifs and the words ‘Diamond Merchants’ in black lettering.

The interior's display windows are accessed by original glazed mahogany timber doors. While the shop interior has been altered, it retains decorative plasterwork on the ceiling. Later insertions include the glass shelves supported by decorative steel brackets. A plaster cornice and vertical sliding window shutters are present in the rear room. The modern internal display cabinets are not of special interest.

The shop was originally the London branch of James Hardy & Co, a jewellers established in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. In 1897, William Cooper purchased the business and premises, and subsequent owners operated under the James Hardy & Co. name until 2010.

The building is designated at Grade II for its architectural interest and rarity, representing an elaborate, high-quality Art Nouveau-style shop front, retaining most of its original components. Interior features such as the doors to the display windows and decorative plasterwork on the ceiling also contribute to its significance.