Southbank House, Lambeth

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.

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.

Stunning architecture. Image © Gary Peterson

This building is the only surviving part of the Doulton Pottery Complex, which extended back behind the buildings.

Mosaics and Ceramics, Black Prince Road

Walking along Black Prince Road towards the River Thames you will pass beneath the main railway line out of Waterloo. Much like the tunnel, on Centaur Street, where the William Blake mosaics can be found, this tunnel has mosaics of the Black Prince, from throughout the ages. 

The south wall is home to six mosaics, five of which represent The Black Prince, while the sixth has an image of Muhammad Ali and represents the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.

The tunnel also has ceramic tiles showcasing the area's history with Lambeth wares of Doulton.