No 79 -  Bell and Bear, Shelton

Bear and Bear Sign

"The relief sign of the Bell and Bear is a particularly interesting feature, a far cry from some of the tasteless, plastic signs of today."

the name originates from a dancing bear

Bell & Bear - Wm Jeffries, Snowhill, Shelton

in 1830 William Jeffries ran the Bell and Bear 
(Previous Building) 

in 1907 W H Jones ran the Bell and Bear 

"Travelling upstairs on a bus along the main bus route of the City provides a favourable vantage point, and allows us an opportunity to assess the urban problems that we have to face. What do we see? Vast, untidy, open spaces, and an assortment of postwar buildings with little architectural merit, and no effective formula or plan. Although probably not deliberate this thoughtless redevelopment can only result in one big urban catastrophe.

The architecture of recent public houses is particularly disappointing. The emphasis appears to be mainly on interiors, and the ability to dispense liquor with supermarket efficiency in the convivial atmosphere of a thumping juke-box and the spasmodic clatter of the "one-arm bandit". The interiors are often rather lavish, while the all-important exterior, which is a permanent statement, is not really considered. The fact that these buildings will adorn our streets for many generations appears to be of little consequence.

I chose to draw the Bell and Bear at Shelton because, on the whole route, it is one of the few examples of where the architects, probably some 60 years ago, tried to create a building that reflected the nature of its business in a traditional and pleasant way. It helps to add a little brightness to our murky surroundings; surely that is what we want in these depressing times. The relief sign of the Bell and Bear is a particularly interesting feature, a far cry from some of the tasteless, plastic signs of today."

Neville Malkin 16th October 1974