(Farmers Trading Company Building)
256 Stafford St
LN: 2057 C:2
1902
Architect: James Turnbull
The store is the most extravagant example of Edwardian style in the CBD and encouraged expansion north. The two story building was erected in 1902 of brick and plaster as the premises for prominent Timaru drapery firm, T and J Thomson, established in 1883 by brothers Thomas and James Thomson. The store was ‘practically gutted’ in 1908 when a fire started near its front door, but the brick construction prevented the spread of the fire or any damage to the façade. Thomson was insured for the lost stock and building and in March 1909 T and J Thomson returned to the Coronation Buildings, restored by Turnbull. The opportunity was taken to improve Turnbull’s original design by increasing the floor space by removing some interior walls and installing a more compact staircase. The interior spaces were also given ‘a more artistic appearance’. Charles Thomson (Tommy's eldest son) expanded the business into the adjacent building to the north, erected around 1910. The firm was acquired by the nationwide department store Hay’s Ltd in 1961 which merged with Farmers Trading Company Ltd in the 1980s. ‘Coronation Buildings’ remains occupied by Farmers.
Significant elements include Columns, capitals, frieze, cornice, orial windows, arched windows, parapet, pediments and finials.
Can you find? The buildings name in honor of King Edward VII’s coronation on 9 August 1902.
1915 Looking down Stafford Street in Timaru, circa 1915, with shops lining both sides of the street. The shop second in from the right, with the ornate facade, is the business of T & J Thomson. Cars, horse drawn carriages and bicycles can also be seen on the street. Taken by Frederick George Radcliffe. Tiaki IRN: 133640 Tiaki Reference Number: 1/2-006892-G Collection: PA-Group-00408: Radcliffe, Frederick George, 1863-1923 : New Zealand post card negatives