Order succeeds in accomplishing its main purpose, it is a little unfortunate that the bastions on either side of it are devoid of the requisite solidity, and are punctured with windows whose upper extremities are actually higher than the lower level of the entablature, and thus ignore the existence of this principal element in the composition. Moreover, the unity of the façade is somewhat compromised by the equality of the two storeys, which make it impossible for either of them to dominate over the other.
The interior, here illustrated, shows the main factory hall top-lit through a glazed roof upheld by a series of steel trusses. These latter, although no doubt efficient for their utilitarian purpose, do not provide an elegant roof upon which the eyes of the operatives could rest with pleasure. The lighting conditions may, of course, be excellent, and the general planning of the room with its orderly array of tables suggests economy and despatch in the procedure of the work, yet it may perhaps be suggested that a little extra expenditure directed to the improvement of that ugly miscellany of conflicting girder lines would be well worth while.
“Travellersʼ Rest, ˮ Northield
(Illustrated on page 459. )
This design is an excellent example of the way to treat a public-house façade in a rural district. The building is obviously in the true cottage tradition, while at the same time it is properly differentiated from the private dwelling-place and has something of the character of an inn. The silhouette is an interesting one, for the façade just misses being symmetrical, but yet has sufficient formality to suggest a certain sense of order and tidiness. The three tall
chimney stacks give the building just the right air of domesticity, which is reinforced by the thatched roof of steep pitch and little dormers. In this instance the leaded lights of the windows are particularly apposite, for they give an impression of cosiness and privacy; for it is notorious that visitors to a publichouse do not enter it with the object of looking at the view outside, nor are they particularly anxious that strangers should pry through the windows. What is needed here is just that feeling of exclusion which the leaded panes do much to foster by admitting illumination while acting as a screen. Another virtue in the design is that the building has the obvious quality of being public — that is to say, its principal façade is aligned with the common thoroughfare and patently belongs to it. No less than three entrances face the road and, as it were, invite the traveller to make a sojourn here. The architects, Messrs. Batemans, are further to be congratulated upon the admirable way in which the lettering is displayed on the façade. It is perfectly readable while not too obtrusive. At a time when modern public-houses are so often of vulgar design, it is especially pleasant to
welcome such an attractive example of this type of building.
The general contractors for the building were Messrs. Fenwick, Ltd., Birmingham, the sub-contractors including: Messrs. Wragge, King’s Heath (mason); Messrs. Farman Bros., Salhouse (reed thatchers); Messrs. Midland Heating Co., Camp Hill (heating); Messrs. Smith, Major & Stevens, Northampton (lifts); Messrs. Harvey & Ashby, Birmingham (glass and casements); Mr. T. Glover, Birmingham (electric lighting); Messrs. Gaskell & Chambers, Birmingham (bar fittings); Mr. H. Hunt, Birmingham (outside lamps).
MESSES. HARRY VINCENT, LTD. ’S NEW FACTORY, HUNNINGTON: INTERIOR VIEW. S. N. Cooke, F. R. I. B. A., Architect.
[Photo: Lewis & Randall, Ltd.
The interior, here illustrated, shows the main factory hall top-lit through a glazed roof upheld by a series of steel trusses. These latter, although no doubt efficient for their utilitarian purpose, do not provide an elegant roof upon which the eyes of the operatives could rest with pleasure. The lighting conditions may, of course, be excellent, and the general planning of the room with its orderly array of tables suggests economy and despatch in the procedure of the work, yet it may perhaps be suggested that a little extra expenditure directed to the improvement of that ugly miscellany of conflicting girder lines would be well worth while.
“Travellersʼ Rest, ˮ Northield
(Illustrated on page 459. )
This design is an excellent example of the way to treat a public-house façade in a rural district. The building is obviously in the true cottage tradition, while at the same time it is properly differentiated from the private dwelling-place and has something of the character of an inn. The silhouette is an interesting one, for the façade just misses being symmetrical, but yet has sufficient formality to suggest a certain sense of order and tidiness. The three tall
chimney stacks give the building just the right air of domesticity, which is reinforced by the thatched roof of steep pitch and little dormers. In this instance the leaded lights of the windows are particularly apposite, for they give an impression of cosiness and privacy; for it is notorious that visitors to a publichouse do not enter it with the object of looking at the view outside, nor are they particularly anxious that strangers should pry through the windows. What is needed here is just that feeling of exclusion which the leaded panes do much to foster by admitting illumination while acting as a screen. Another virtue in the design is that the building has the obvious quality of being public — that is to say, its principal façade is aligned with the common thoroughfare and patently belongs to it. No less than three entrances face the road and, as it were, invite the traveller to make a sojourn here. The architects, Messrs. Batemans, are further to be congratulated upon the admirable way in which the lettering is displayed on the façade. It is perfectly readable while not too obtrusive. At a time when modern public-houses are so often of vulgar design, it is especially pleasant to
welcome such an attractive example of this type of building.
The general contractors for the building were Messrs. Fenwick, Ltd., Birmingham, the sub-contractors including: Messrs. Wragge, King’s Heath (mason); Messrs. Farman Bros., Salhouse (reed thatchers); Messrs. Midland Heating Co., Camp Hill (heating); Messrs. Smith, Major & Stevens, Northampton (lifts); Messrs. Harvey & Ashby, Birmingham (glass and casements); Mr. T. Glover, Birmingham (electric lighting); Messrs. Gaskell & Chambers, Birmingham (bar fittings); Mr. H. Hunt, Birmingham (outside lamps).
MESSES. HARRY VINCENT, LTD. ’S NEW FACTORY, HUNNINGTON: INTERIOR VIEW. S. N. Cooke, F. R. I. B. A., Architect.
[Photo: Lewis & Randall, Ltd.