Essence Factory

SJ 89 NW, 1482-/3/10003

STRETFORD, CHESTER ROAD, Essence Factory

II

Essence Factory, incorporating office and warehouse functions. 1896, with late C20 alterations. By Briggs and Wostenholme of Blackburn, for Messrs. Duckworth and Co. Red brick with terracotta dressings and detailing. Plain tile and Welsh slates to roof. Symmetrical elevation conceals asymmetry of plan and functional divisions within the 'L' shaped complex. South elevation: four storeys with 5-storeyed towers to ends and centre. 12 bays, arranged 1:3:3:3:1:1 with towers at bays 1, 4, 7 and 11, with bay 12 of two storeys and gabled possibly an afterthought. Entrance at bay 6 with semi-circular-headed doorway in moulded terracotta surround and panelled double doors. Polygonal attached columns surmounted by urns flank doorway. Stacked 3-light mullioned and transomed windows with flat, then segmental, then semi-circular arched heads to ascending windows. Tower bays flank doorways, with 2-storey oriels and octagonal corner turrets to fifth storey extended downwards to third floor. Three bays to each side of entrance range with semi-circular headed arcades of tall windows at ground and first floor levels, the latter spanning two floors. Triple semi-circular headed windows to upper floor below blind parapet, the bays delineated by pinnacles. End towers are wider versions of those to the centre, and are 2 bays deep. Rear elevation obscured by C20 addition which is not of special interest. Service courtyard to right with former engine and boiler houses, stable and low entrance tower. Interior: frame of steel joists supported by iron columns. 5-bay office range to front, entered through vestibule, with central colonnade, and moulded ceiling plaster. Wide strutted roof trusses with iron props at junction of tie beam and principal rafter.

Listing NGR: SJ8230496578