Picture a time when cars were a novelty. The Michelin House stands before you a testament to that era. This building was the first permanent UK headquarters for the Michelin Tyre Company. It opened its doors on January 20 1911.
Michelin House is more than just a building. It is a piece of history. The building’s architect was François Espinasse. He was an employee of Michelin. Espinasse also helped design Michelin’s Paris headquarters.
Notice the three large stained-glass windows. They are based on Michelin advertisements. Each features the Michelin Man called Bibendum. Bibendum was often shown holding a glass filled with hazards. This showed how tough Michelin tyres were. The Latin phrase “Nunc Est Bibendum” is displayed. It means “Now is the time to drink.”
Look around the front of Michelin House. See the decorative tiles. They show famous racing cars that used Michelin tyres. More tiles are inside the front of the building. This area was originally a tyre-fitting bay.
Take note of the mosaic on the floor. It shows Bibendum holding a glass of nuts and bolts. Decorative tiles also line the walls of the reception area. Two glass cupolas frame the front of the building. They look like stacks of tyres.
Consider Michelin’s connection to road maps and tourism. Etchings of Paris streets adorn some first-floor windows. These details highlight Michelin’s history.
Dunlop’s patents once restricted other tyre sales in Britain. Michelin anticipated the end of these patents. They opened an office in London. The Michelin Tyre Company Limited was soon incorporated.
Originally, Michelin House offered everything for motorists. Fitting bays allowed for quick tyre changes. The basement stored over 30000 tyres. A lift brought tyres to the fitting bays. The floor was sloped for easy rolling. A Touring Office provided maps and writing tools. Motorists could plan their journeys.
Michelin House is an early example of concrete construction in Britain. The Hennebique ferro-concrete system was used. This system allowed for open spaces and fire resistance. The building only took five months to construct.
Automatic doors once led into the entrance hall. A weighing bay measured car weight to ensure correct tyre pressure.
Michelin moved out in 1985. Paul Hamlyn and Terence Conran purchased the building. They restored original features. The new development included offices, a restaurant and a shop. All three businesses opened in August 1987.
During the Second World War the stained-glass windows were removed. They were stored in Stoke-on-Trent. Sadly the windows were lost. Replicas were created using original drawings.
In 1969, the original front section received a Grade II listing. Despite this, there were plans to demolish most of the building. Michelin chose to invest in a new factory instead.
Today, Michelin House stands as a unique blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. It is a reminder of early motoring and innovative design. The building is a testament to Michelin’s lasting legacy. A Michelin starred restaurant now resides inside. Bibendum has finally come home.