We want as many people as possible to be able to access the Martins Bank Archive Project. Whether it’s a query from former staff about somewhere they worked, or those of you wanting to see a particular picture or maybe you have one to share with us, please do contact us. The items detailed on this page represent our “most wanted” images and artifacts. If you can help by providing a scan or photo, or if you know the whereabouts of a particular item, please get in touch by clicking on contact us at the bottom of this page.
Images Exterior, interior and staff shots from the 1950s and 1960s are required for the following branches of Martins Bank. (Shots showing exterior signage and interior branding/displays are particularly sought). · KING’S LYNN – Interior and Staff pictures, please · Ashton under Lyne – exterior 1960s · Preston Friargate & Market Street Exterior and Interior · London 20/23 Holborn
x Artifacts Any items donated or lent to Martins Bank Archive Project are catalogued and stored in a cool environment in appropriate protective storage containers. (Items on loan to us can be requested back from us at any time.) Otherwise we will be delighted to receive photos and scans (between 300 and 900 dpi please). · Counter plaques advertising travellers cheques, savings, executor & trustee service. · Unused Paying in Slips · Newspaper Advertisements · Stationery relating to “Martins Auto Cashier” Cash Machine · Staff training materials relating to computer training
x Missing! A copy of the 1968 TV advertisement for Martins Unicorn Assured Savings plan has yet to be found. The advertisement ran in the Summer of 1968, shortly after the re-shaping of ITV on the newly created Yorkshire TV as well as on Granada in the north. The only other region to show the ad was Southern TV. The five still images shown below are currently all that remain of this commercial, so we really hope a copy of the original still exists somewhere – can you help?
x Whatever Happened To… Many of Martins’ finest buildings remain intact, although many are no longer used by Barclays. In a way it is quite satisfying to think that some of the places that once saw smart suited mods, rebellious rockers, girls in pvc dresses and all manner of 60s people doing their banking, are now host to theme pubs where the young people watch football on satellite TV and wear out their thumbs on mobile phone keypads. One thing is for sure - if Martins was still around it would certainly capitalise on all that disposable income… What happened to some of the items that used to decorate Martins Branches? Having taken care to represent the local area of a branch with themed tapestries, or mosaics, or carvings, what has become of some of these special items that Martins commissioned? For example, in a dusty attic, basement or shed somewhere, do YOU have one of these “trade” themed wooden panels from Newbury branch?
						Martins Account Numbers From early 1961 Martins was ready to issue customers with account numbers and for these to be printed on cheques in magnetic ink. At the moment we are unable to trace a copy of the account number allocation book, or any leaflets issued to customers advising them that automation was on the way. CAN YOU HELP? Did you take part in the automation exercise? Were you given a Martins (SEVEN digit) account number?
Missing art… In the mid 1960s, when Martins opened new branches, it was customary for the Bank to commission a piece of art work that reflected the local area. Three such works were created by Philippa Threlfall for the branches at Bristol Clifton, Cheltenham High Street, and Gloucester. Philippa has kindly supplied us with the images below, and we would like your help in finding out what happened to these beautiful works of art. Philippa writes: “The trouble for working - as we did - for corporate bodies like Martins was that so many of them became subsumed by other companies.  Then it becomes tricky to trace the works, and sadly they have often become missing presumed destroyed”… If you know the whereabouts of these pieces, please do get in touch at the usual address: gutinfo@btinternet.com
Bristol, Clifton			Cheltenham High St					Gloucester
FEATURING SOME OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDMARKS OF BRISTOL			AN INTERESTING TAKE ON THE GRASSHOPPER LOGO					DELICATE FRETTED CERAMIC WORK SHOWS GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
Images © Philippa Threfall 1966 to date www.philippathrelfall.com
Strange sign… A visitor to the website has contacted the archive regarding a rather odd version of a Martins Bank Sign they have in their possession, (shown below). It seems strange that the lettering has been stuck onto a piece of hardboard, and that the sign appears otherwise not to have been finished. Was it perhaps used for a trade stand or a show, or on the counter of one of the mobile branches? Is it a template for something? If you know, or have any idea, please contact us! x
If you have a picture or an item that you would like to contribute to the Martins Bank Archive, or if you know the whereabouts of an item that we could catalogue, please Contact Us
© gut informiert 2007 to date

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