Address: 22 Coney Street, York, YO1 9ND (now Watchlab)
Description
Once proudly displayed on a Coney Street shopfront, the word ‘Singer’ in block capitals, with metal letters individually attached to the stone building, now lies hidden beneath newer signage.
History
22 Coney Street, constructed around 1600, was once the location of the Singer Manufacturing Co, established there in 1885.
The building’s address was originally number 40 but was renumbered to 22 around 1960, just to the left of Judges Court.
Singer, a renowned name in the textiles and sewing machine industry, still has its machines on the market today.
1851 – Advert for the original Singer sewing machine
The Singer Corporation, originally founded as I. M. Singer & Co. in 1851 by Isaac M. Singer and lawyer Edward C. Clark, is famed for its sewing machines.
It was renamed the Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865 and later simplified to the Singer Company in 1963.
The company experienced rapid growth; by 1870, it opened its first factory in England and sold 170,000 machines.
By 1880, it had sold over 500,000 machines and controlled 80% of the global market by 1890.
1902 – An advert for Singer on Marygate showing the original building number Source: York Press
Notably, in 1978, Singer introduced the world’s first computer-controlled sewing machine. The company celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2001.
1910s – The Singer shop on the right Source: Explore Archive York Asset ID: 1007365
Over the years, the sign for Singer has periodically been obscured and revealed again as different businesses have moved in and out, frequently redecorating the shop front.
1920 Source: Explore York Archive Asset ID: 1004793
As of May 2024, the Singer sign is currently visible, although nearby construction work suggests that a new business may soon occupy the space.
1966 – The Singer sign is just visible on the right Source: York Press
Currently, 22 Coney Street stands unoccupied, but the ongoing construction work hints that it may soon welcome a new tenant.
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