The building was the headquarters and one of the main distribution centres of WH Smith and Son, the newsagent who were pivotal in the newspaper trade at the time. At first the building was used as book binding works, but the use gradually sprawled into office based work.
WH Smith were actually one of the most important forces in London in the construction of Victoria and Albert Embankments working in unison with Joseph Bazalgette. In addition to this site they also secured Embankment Gardens as a public space in spite of opposition from the then-Prime Minister William Gladstone who believed it would make prime development land for the Crown.
The building, and the Doulton headquarters next door were both demolished in 1978. Now it is the site of the building today is the headquarters of the International Maritime Agency Organization.
Companies
If your company has been involved with the Design/Build, Supply or Maintenance of this building please submit your details.
