Former Argus Printing Company

The former Argus Printing Company headquarters, designed by Charles Valentine Hunter and constructed between 1896 and 1897, stands on Temple Avenue in London. The foundations were laid by Messrs Greenwood, and the superstructure built by Patman and Fotheringham. The building is built of Portland stone with brick and Ruabon terracotta dressings, and includes a carved stone frieze.

It is four storeys high, with a basement, and features a six-window facade to Temple Avenue and an eleven-window facade to Tudor Street. The architecture represents a commercial style blending Romanesque and Tudor elements. The ground floor is characterised by rusticated stone and round-arched and elliptical-arched openings. The first floor features basket-arched openings, while a carved sill band marks the second floor. An entablature with a dentil cornice sits above the third floor, where windows are flat arched with mullions and transoms. A balustrade parapet tops the building. A carved shield borne by a winged Argus is positioned at street level on the corner. The last bay on the Temple Street elevation allows for vehicle deliveries.

The Argus Printing Company, established in 1884 by Harry Marks and responsible for printing the Financial Times, occupied this building. It was one of several purpose-built printing offices constructed in the area south of Fleet Street following the 1870s, with construction encouraged by the City Corporation as part of broader street improvement initiatives. Other notable examples include Carmelite House and Temple House.