Looking up Fawcett St in the 1920s. On the right Binns Store has reached the corner but on the left the Sunderland Gas Company showrooms still holds the corner site. These showrooms were illuminated by some 10 large brass lanterns hanging outside the big windows (six are visible) . Being gas they provided heat as well as light and so were placed outside but in the 1930s the Gas Company gave in and converted the lanterns to electricity. Eventually Binns bought the site to occupy both corner blocks, the left block extending to the town hall and giving Binns a commanding presence in Fawcett St.
Information from Len Charlton.
