Former Everard'S Printing Works

This is a former printing works, now offices, built between 1900 and 1901 in Bristol. Designed by Henry Williams, with the facade by WJ Neatby, Chief Designer for Doulton and Co., it was commissioned for Edward Everard, a printer. The building is of group value, representing an important and significant example of its type.

The building was largely demolished behind the facade around 1970. It is characterised by its polychromatic 'Carrara' marble-ware faience and reflects a Pre-Raphaelite style. Originally a three-storey, four-window range, the symmetrical gabled front features a blue plinth up to sill level, with white above. A thin band divides the ground floor from the first, and a wider band sits above the windows. A crenellated parapet sits behind recessed second-floor windows, flanked by octagonal turrets with cupolas. A wide semicircular-arched doorway is flanked by elliptical-arched windows, with a band above depicting coloured, stylised trees and hearts. Above the ground-floor windows is “EDWARD EVERARD” in Art Nouveau lettering, with decorative spandrel panels depicting Gutenberg and Morris at printing presses, along with an angel reading.

The parapet conceals a second-floor arcade of four semicircular arches with blocked architraves, brown columns and imposts. The cupolas have similar columns to a frieze of coloured hearts, topped with brown domes and finials. A semicircular-arched panel in the gable features an allegorical figure holding a lamp (Light) and scales (Truth).

Inside, the lobby features a blue plinth, coloured dado, white upper walls, a frieze, and a panelled plaster ceiling. The interior behind the original façade was completely rebuilt. A timber fire surround and terracotta hopper are located in the foyer. The building was originally part of a larger printing works in brown terracotta, with a surviving section located at No.1 John Street.

This printing works showcases an early example of the use of glazed, coloured external ware intended to promote Arts and Crafts ideas of reconciling art and industry, forming the largest decorative facade of its kind in Britain.