Shopfronts have a very special place in the Irish landscape. A surprising number of old shopfronts remain in almost their original state even in the large cities and towns; but age and the strident demands of commerce have reduced the numbers quite dramatically. The most sophisticated designs feature combinations of decorative ironwork and carved wood. Hand-painted lettering, often of great complexity, is an additional feature.

In this study of Irish shops, Sean Rothery looks at their development from rural converted houses to city planned shops, considers types of shops (including butchers, pawnbrokers, undertakers, post offices, grocers and pubs) and writes of the materials used, the facade lettering and the colour schemes. Throughout, he illustrates his text with numerous exquisitely prepared drawings of the shopfronts themselves and of details often neglected by the passing observer. This book is a celebration of a unique part of Ireland's visual heritage, newly available for the first time in paperback.