Banks and Their Buildings
Timis is not a political article, nor is it concerned with financial economy. It is, however, conceivable that the post-War architectural activity of the Big Five has contributed in an unexpected and indirect manner to the undue prominence given to the Banks in the Daily Press during the last month. I refer to the psychological effect upon a certain section of the public of seeing attractive and expensive bank buildings being erected in their own and every other town, whilst at the same time the policy of Nationalization has been growing from a mere suggestion to a prominent position in a political programme.
I think the oft repeated statement that the erection of so many new bank buildings has been an excuse for burying their ill-gotten gains is an insult to the intelligence of every shareholder. The cynic may smile at what I know to be the truth, which is, that a bank director has a sense of tradition, pride in architecture, and a desire to use the great power of his institution in a somewhat similar manner to the great Merchant Guilds of mediaeval times. The analogy between Modern Banking institu- tions and Merchant Guilds may be slight, but it is definite- ly traceable in the common rivalry of their building activities, and of their use in such buildings of the best craftsmanship and materials available, and such activity being in both cases the result of a need for expansion due to a rapid increase in the confidence of the public in the value and usefulness of these institutions.
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