Elephant Tea Rooms, Victorian Hindu Gothic building in Sunderland, England
Description
Elephant Tea Rooms is a three-story corner building at High Street West featuring polychrome brickwork, terracotta ornaments, and decorative faience panels. The structure blends eastern and western architectural styles in an unusual composition.
History
British architect Frank Caws designed this building in 1877 in what became known as Hindu Gothic style for tea merchant William Grimshaw. This approach merged Victorian innovation with Indian influences, reflecting the prominence of British trade routes at the time.
Culture
Stone elephant sculptures carry tea chests on the exterior, representing the commercial importance of Victorian-era Sunderland and its ties to global trade networks. These figures visually express how international commerce shaped the city's identity during that period.
Practical
The building now houses Sunderland's Local History Library, providing visitors with access to historical documents and research materials. Its prominent corner position makes it easy to locate and reach.
Did you know?
A decorative corner turret features Buddhist-inspired design elements, including a conical roof with ringed ribs. This unexpected ornamental detail gives the structure a spiritual quality that extends beyond typical Victorian architecture.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Sunderland).
Sunderland Empire Theatre
466 m
Wearmouth Bridge
292 m
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
382 m
Sunderland Minster
465 m
Mowbray Park
631 m
Wearmouth Bridge
292 m
City Hall, Sunderland
264 m
Sunderland Civic Centre
679 m
St Mary's Church, Sunderland
96 m
Monkwearmouth Bridge
291 m
New Sunderland Square
264 m
Corder House and Sydenham House
129 m
Hawksley House
352 m
Monument To Jack Crawford At Ngr 3979 5652
616 m
West Park United Reformed Church
654 m
Statue of John Candlish
572 m
Post Office And Railings
248 m
Empire Cinema
110 m
The Dun Cow Public House
427 m
The Bridge Hotel
354 m
Statue of General Havelock in South West of Park, Building Hill Nz 3984 5639
751 m
Magistrates' Court
348 m
War Memorial with Railings and Gates
462 m
Barclays Bank
128 m
Sunderland Exchange
540 m
Medieval Arch In Wall To West Of Public Gardens
339 m
Footbridge Over Cutting Between Mowbray Park And Mowbray Extension Park
601 m
101, 102 And 103, High Street West
34 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes