California House

TQ 3180 NW CITY OF WESTMINSTER ESSEX STREET, WC2 74/2 Nos 36 to 39 (consec) 8.9.72 California House G.V. II Offices. 1892 by the partnership of Robert Lempriere Hesketh and Walter Stokes; originally 2 houses of unequal size. Buff terracotta with much enrichment. Lavish display of Flemish Renaissance motifs. 3 storeys, basement and attic. 14 windows wide in all, closely set. 2 doorways, towards left and centre-right, with panelled and glazed doors with rectangular fanlights recessed in pilaster jambs beneath entablature-lintels. Recessed plate glass sashes in enriched surrounds on 1st floor, and all flanked by pilasters; southernmost bay and 2 others project slightly and are flanked on each floor by engaged enriched columns carrying pediments of varied design. Elaborate arabesque friezes over ground and 1st floor, and modillion eaves cornice. Clustered column and quoin pilasters to Devereux Court corner on each floor. Cast iron ornamental area railings.

Listing NGR: TQ3107180985