Africa House, London
Office block in London
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Africa House is a Grade II listed[1] office block on Kingsway in London. Completed in 1922, it was one of the last buildings to be built along the Kingsway, a newly developed cut-through designed for the relief of traffic congestion which was opened in 1905.[2]
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| Africa House | |
|---|---|
Africa House | |
 Interactive map of the Africa House area | |
General information | |
| Type | Office |
| Location | London, England |
| Coordinates | 51°31′01″N 0°07′10″W |
Completed | 1922 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architects | Trehearne & Norman |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
Official name | Africa House |
| Designated | 11 December 1996 |
| Reference no. | 1379261 |
History
The building was designed by Trehearne and Norman with construction beginning in 1921. Completed in 1922, it was one of the last buildings to be built along the Kingsway, a newly developed cut-through designed for the relief of traffic congestion which was opened in 1905. Named after Edward VII, the reigning monarch, it is often considered the last great Victorian metropolitan improvement.[2] The building was Grade II listed in 1996 and is part of the Kingsway conservation area.[3]
Design
The building displays a large facade of Portland stone with a robust Doric screen and large arched entrance.[1] Nikolaus Pevsner in his architectural guides describes the building as having a "pompous, rather busy front".[4] The screen is mounted by a pedestal of carved figures and animals Britannia with African workers and animals by Benjamin Clemens.[4] John Webb Singer would provide ironwork, particularly in the gates.