Thursday, July 31, 2025

Southbank House, Lambeth

Doulton Pottery Buildings
Doulton Pottery Building.

I am constantly surprised how, every now and again, a startling piece of architecture can survive, while all around is replaced with concrete, glass and steel. So I was completely taken when I saw this ornate and overly stylised building. I needed to find out more about it.

Doulton Pottery Buildings
Glazed tiles and terracotta dressings.

The building, which stands at the corner of Black Prince road and Lambeth High Street, dates from 1876-78 and was possibly designed by Robert Stark Wilkinson. There is some confusion to the actual architect as others were also involved. It is built of red brick with polychromy, with pink and sandy-coloured terracotta dressings. Its entire facade is highly ornate.

Southbank House
Stunning architecture. Image © Gary Peterson

This building is the only surviving part of the Doulton Pottery Complex, which extended back behind the buildings.
John Doulton established the company in Vauxhall Walk, in 1815, beginning with the manufacture of glazed sewer pipes, before the company moved to Lambeth. Henry Doulton, John's son, had more to offer and started producing bone china and figurines.

Ceramic on Black Prince Road
A ceramic tile beneath Black Prince Road bridge.

A short distance away was the Lambeth School of Art, which probably helped Henry with his decorative skills. The Lambeth School of Art opened in 1854, but is now called City & Guilds of London Art School and occupies different premises. Some of the original buildings still stand.

King Edward VII awarded the company a Royal Warrant, in 1901, and the company became Royal Doulton.

This building once housed the art school, design studio and museum and was opened in 1871. 

Doulton Pottery Buildings

Doulton moved their business to Stoke-on-Trent, in 1856, while the buildings in Lambeth were targeted during World War II. With these buildings gutted and in a sad state they were finally demolished in the 1950s. I, for one, am glad that this building survives.

Today, the building is residential with flexible office spaces.

Doulton Pottery Buildings
A highly ornate facade.

No comments:

Post a Comment