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Head Offices of the London Underground

Adams, Holden & Pearson Architects, London, 1929

 

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North west elevation 

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  • North west elevation    
  • Aerial view    
  • North west elevation    
  • View of the east facade    
  • The central tower viewed from the roof promenade    
  • The south west facade    
  • The entrance on the south elevation    
  • The main entrance on the east front    
  • The north east entrance in Broadway    
  • The south east entrance in Broadway    
  • The entrance to St James    
  • Flood lit canopy above the station entrance    
  • Detail of a typical metal window    
  • The bottom flight of the main staircase    
  • The south wing on the ground floor containing the general enquiry office    
  • The seventh floor corridor leading to the Chairman    
  • The Chairman    
  • The entrance doors to the Chairman    
  • Fireplace in the Chairman    
  • One of the drinking fountains fitted on each floor    
  • North Wind by A. H. Gerrard    
  • North Wind by Eric Gill    
  • South Wind by Eric Gill    
  • South Wind by Eric Aumonier    
  • East Wind by Eric Gill    
  • East Wind by Allan Wyon    
  • West Wind by F. Rabinovitch    
  • West Wind by Henry Moore    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • Typical floor plan    

Office block in Westminster, facing St. James Park, designed for Underground Electric Railways of London, the main forerunner of London Underground

The block is noteworthy for its cruciform plan and ambitious steel structure. While this was forced due to the irregular shape of the sight, it does afford optimum levels of natural night to the offices.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the building was the inclusion of a several naked sculptures halfway along the facades, which caused public outrage following their unveiling. The ground floor shopping arcade contains a number of art deco details.

The structure is entirely steel framed, and at the time of construction, it was the tallest steel framed office scheme in London. The building has a Portland stone exterior and a lavish travertine marble interior.

Data

  • Completed: 1929
  • Sector: Office
  • Address: Windsor House, Victoria Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 0TL, United Kingdom