Fulham Road, London

Fulham Road, London, London 1 Minute
This art deco building in London’s Fulham Road was designed by an employee of tyre company Michelin’s employees, François Espinasse. Originally, the building had three large stained-glass windows – at the front, and on both sides. The windows were based on the ‘Michelin Man’ (Bibendum) and reflected Michelin’s advertisements of the day. Michelin House was opened on January 20 1911.
In 1927, Michelin built a factory in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, and a part of the Fulham Road building was left empty. From 1933 until the outbreak of World War 2, the upper storeys were let to various organisations – including the Air Ministry.
At that time, the three three stained glass windows were moved to Stoke-on-Trent for safe keeping. After the war, the windows were sought but had gone missing.
2011 marked the centenary of the opening of the building. At this point, Michelin renewed its efforts to locate the missing stained glass windows. However, they could not be found and were replaced by copies. Also, the glass lights on either side of the entrance – designed to represent piles of tyres – were also replaced.
Image: Photographer unknown
Now a restaurant and an Oyster Bar, by December 2021 the building has been fully restored.
Image: © Steven Miell (TimeViews)
A merged version of the two photographs. Use the slider in the centre.
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