Shop blind
Short Guide, Scottish traditional shopfronts, published, on 18 April 2017 by Historic Environment Scotland, defines shop blinds as: ‘Originally canvas awnings on metal framing used to protect goods on display in windows from sunlight, possibly as early as the late 18th century. Also offered pedestrians and shoppers some protection from the weather.’
It defines a blind box as: ‘A box, usually of timber, which hosts the blind mechanism. May be integral to the design of the shop (from mid 19th century) or may be an addition, usually above the cornice, which has been retro-fitted.’
And a blind rail as: ‘The timber or metal panel which fronts a blind box and hides the awning and mechanisms when the blind is in a closed position. It is fitted with an eyelet to allow the blind to be pulled out into the open position.’
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