My Daughter who is 42 says it cant possibly be 40 years since they pulled fairfax house down because she thinks it was still there when she worked in fairfax street.

You are quite right about those elevators Martin, they were without doors and moved constantly. I had a great time as a kid jumping on and off them! I've never seen the like of them since and no doubt they would be banned on health and safety grounds these days.

Im afraid i cant help you as to when it opened but i remember goin to see santa there every year for yonks as a young un, scared i stupid!!!

The unusual elevators were called Paternoster. The boxes are on a continuous loop, similar to a rosary. I understand that the large bead on a rosary is called a paternoster.

A ride in a paternoster lift is an 'interesting' experience, especially if you go over the top.

Other than Fairfax House the only one I have used was at Northwick Park Hospital. Apparently it is still used by the staff but may be replaced at some time in the future.

Have a look for 'paternoster' in Wikipedia for one near you!

I worked at Fairfax House as the Masseeley operator printing the price cards for the goods in the shop, the Paternoster lifts were great fun we thought when the store opened.
Before that I was in the old Co-op doing the same job but stuck way up in the highest part on the roof in a little room which was called "The Ticket room".
I remember Mrs Knight who was on the Stationary dept.and the 'boys' from the footwear dept. Johnny, Maurice and Brian who used to come up to the Ticket Room for their tea break.
This was in the late 50's early 60's.
My friend and I sat on the wall accross the road from the old building and watched it being demolished, very sad.