Skilbeck's Warehouse, Victorian warehouse in Upper Thames Street, London, England
Skilbeck's Warehouse is a Victorian commercial building on Upper Thames Street featuring twin pointed bays beneath a single Gothic arch and gable, with cast iron elements visibly integrated into the window frames and structural design. The 1866 structure combines a traditional trading purpose with distinctive architectural details crafted by architect William Burges.
The warehouse was constructed in 1866 by architect William Burges for the Skilbeck Brothers, whose family had operated as drysalters in London since the mid-1600s. This commission gave Burges the opportunity to apply his Gothic design principles to a modern commercial building.
The building displays Gothic features rarely seen on a commercial structure, particularly the crane supported by a carved Oriental figure and a circular ship window that appear throughout the design. These artistic touches give the warehouse an unexpected character that sets it apart from typical Victorian trading buildings.
The building sits on Upper Thames Street near central London's historic trading areas and was well-positioned for waterfront commerce. Its location on a major street with easy access to the city's commercial centers made it a practical base for handling goods and maritime operations.
Charles Locke Eastlake recognized this warehouse as one of the few successful examples of Gothic architecture adapted for commercial purposes. This acknowledgment by a prominent design critic made it a notable case in Victorian architectural history.
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