Over the next four weeks I shall endeavour to write about four unique ‘Art Deco’ buildings from the 1930’s, all of which once stood adjacent to one another on the Albert Embankment, S.E.1.

The buildings, in order of completion, and therefore focus, will be as follows: ‘Bridge House’, the former works of retailer, W. H. Smith & Son, Ltd., designed by H. O. Ellis & Clarke and completed in 1935; 8, Albert Embankment, the former London Fire Brigade (LFB) headquarters, designed by Architect to the London County Council (LCC), E. P. Wheeler, F.R.I.B.A., with his assistant, G. Weald, F.R.I.B.A. and completed in 1937; ‘Doulton House’, the former head office of ceramics manufacturer, Doulton and Co., Ltd., designed by T. P. Bennett & Son and completed in 1939; and ‘Lambeth Bridge House’, the former office of The Ministry of Works and Buildings, designed by Howard & Souster and completed in 1940.

Only one of the four buildings still stands today – 8, Albert Embankment, which was designated a Grade II listed building by Heritage England on 2nd December, 2002. Despite its protected status, the building has been largely vacant since 2007, when the LFB moved back to their previous home of Southwark, whilst plans to redevelop the site have yet to get off the drawing board.

Sadly, the other three buildings have all been lost to the wrecking ball, with ‘Bridge House’ and ‘Doulton House’ falling first, replaced by the headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the ‘Westminster Tower’ respectively, both in the early 1980’s. ‘Lambeth Bridge House’ lasted until the turn of the century when it was replaced by ‘Parliament View Apartments’.

As will become clear, among the trio of demolished buildings it is undoubtedly ‘Doulton House’ that is the biggest loss. Were the building still here it would almost certainly be listed, and would likely stand as one of the best examples of London’s ‘Art Deco’ architecture. As it is, the building, and its former neighbours have long since been forgotten, which the capital is all the poorer for.

January, 2018.