Symbolism in bank marketing and architecture: the headquarters of National Provincial Bank of England

9Citations
Citations of this article
29Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

This article undertakes an analysis of the symbolism present in the architecture and design in nineteenth century British banking. It focuses upon the headquarters of National Provincial Bank of England, which was built in the 1860s. It explores the symbols and messages that those at the bank wished to communicate to those that viewed the building. The analysis finds that those at the bank impressed its national identity, achieved through its extensive branch network, as its key message which differentiated it from its rivals. Other symbols emphasized that it had adapted to the local market and was equal in terms of competency and richness in comparison to its competitors. We argue that these messages became part of the organization’s identity and its brand, as well as the culture of the City of London more broadly. The article provides a new explanation for symbolic meanings represented by bank architecture. It integrates the existing discussion of bank architecture in historical research with the theoretical frameworks and literature being developed in organizational identity and branding.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Barnes, V., & Newton, L. (2019). Symbolism in bank marketing and architecture: the headquarters of National Provincial Bank of England. Management and Organizational History, 14(3), 213–244. https://doi.org/10.1080/17449359.2019.1683038

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free