50 AND 51, BRIGGATE

50 and 51 Briggate is a building in Leeds, constructed around 1918 and altered in the 20th century. Designed by S.D. Kitson, it features a reinforced concrete and steel frame faced in matt-glazed faience known as 'Burmantofts Marmo', produced by the Leeds Fireclay Company. The building is three stories tall and has two bays, showcasing a Classical style. The ground-floor shop windows were updated in the late 20th century. Each bay has an identical facade with recessed two-tier windows set behind fluted columns in antis, adorned with rosette and egg-and-dart motifs on the capitals. The entablature includes triglyphs, a deep modillion eaves cornice, and a pierced blocking course with a central plaque flanked by lion heads. The plaques feature raised lettering that reads "THORNTON/AND CO. LTD" and on the entablature, the left side states "INDIA RUBBER MANUFACTURERS," while the right side, which has been cut back, reads "THORNTON & CO. LIMITED." The interior has not been inspected. This building is one of three notable structures in Leeds that retain their Burmantofts Marmo facades. 'Marmo' is an imitation marble that has been produced since 1889. Other examples in the city include Atlas Chambers on King Street and The Scottish Union and National Insurance Company on Park Row. An undated photograph in the Kirkstall Museum archive indicates that originally only the left facade was constructed.