Wow. Look at the curves. This is the Express Building in Manchester. It’s not just a building. It’s a time capsule. A testament to a bygone era of bold design.
Built in 1939 this Grade II* listed building was once home to the Daily Express newspaper. At that time the Daily Express was the world’s most widely circulated newspaper. Imagine the hustle and bustle of reporters and printers. The rhythmic clatter of presses churning out millions of copies daily.
Sir Owen Williams designed this masterpiece. He was an engineer not an architect. Yet his design is pure genius. A blend of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne. The curved corners the sleek lines the stunning glass facade. It’s futuristic even today. Many people mistake it for a much newer structure.
The building’s unique design was highly radical for its time. It showcases the then-emerging technology of curtain walling. The use of opaque and vitrolite glass is striking. It creates a remarkable interplay of light and shadow.
Interestingly the Manchester Express Building is considered the best of three similar buildings. The others are in London and Glasgow. Architects like Norman Foster admire its timeless quality. This building is a source of local pride for Mancunians.
The Daily Express left Manchester in the late 1980s. The building was later converted into apartments and offices. It underwent significant renovations in the 1990s. The original printing press was even refurbished. The glass was made reflective to prevent people from seeing inside.
Today this iconic building stands as a symbol of Manchester’s architectural heritage. It continues to captivate those who see it. It is a proud testament to bold design and enduring appeal. A building that seamlessly blends its past with its present. A building that is truly remarkable.