What if these walls of Norwest House could talk? They would tell tales of industry titans and architectural ambition. Norwest House stands here on Millbank. It is a Grade II listed building with a rich history.
Originally, this wasn’t Norwest House at all. It was part of the grand Imperial Chemical House. Sir Frank Baines designed it in the neoclassical style. This was during the inter-war years. Construction took place between 1927 and 1929. It served as the headquarters for Imperial Chemical Industries or ICI. This new giant was formed by merging several British chemical companies.
Imagine the bustling activity within these walls. Decisions were made here that shaped industries and influenced global markets. ICI was a powerhouse. It produced everything from fertilizers to paints.
In 1987, Imperial Chemical House was divided. This division created Norwest House at 9 Millbank. Nobel House was also created at 17 Smith Square. ICI eventually moved out in the 1990s. However, the building’s legacy remained.
Look closely at the architecture. Note the Portland stone and granite. They sit on a steel frame. This reflects the ambition of the era. The monumental corner block displays a Lutyens-Baker Classical manner. A giant order colonnade dresses the top floors.
The sculpted figures are the work of Jagger. They add an artistic touch to the building’s imposing facade. The nickel-copper alloy doors feature naturalistic motifs by W.B. Fagan.
Consider the building’s features. It has five storeys with a four-storey attic. The facade facing Millbank is symmetrical and wide. It has twenty-seven windows. The corner is splayed with seven windows. The return to Horseferry Road has five windows.
The ground floor is granite faced. It features doorways with detailed architraves. The recessed glazing bar metal casements add to the building’s character.
Giant niches frame arched windows on the third and fourth floors. Peacocks surmount these windows with lunette lights above. Giant quoin pilasters support an entablature. Statues stand over corner dies.
The top hamper includes a giant order colonnade. This is on the sixth and seventh floors. Engaged order end pavilions flank the colonnade. A central three-bay pavilion projects from the Millbank facade.
Norwest House is more than just an office building. It’s a landmark. It represents a significant period in London’s and Britain’s history. Its architecture and history have earned it a place on the National Heritage List for England. It ensures that this building will be preserved for future generations.