Firestone Building

The Firestone Building in Brentford, London, was an iconic example of early 20th-century industrial architecture, renowned for its striking Art Deco design. Completed in 1928, the building served as the headquarters for the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Company and was designed by Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, a firm celebrated for its innovative industrial architecture. The structure was characterized by its bold, geometric forms, clean lines, and decorative elements typical of the Art Deco style. Its façade featured a symmetrical design with a central tower, clad in white faience tiles that gave it a sleek, modern appearance. The building's horizontal emphasis, ribbon windows, and decorative motifs reflected the optimism and technological progress of the era.

Tragically, the Firestone Building was demolished in 1980, just one day before it was due to be granted listed status for its architectural significance. Its destruction sparked widespread outrage and became a pivotal moment in the conservation movement in the UK, leading to stronger protections for historic buildings. The building's design was not only visually striking but also highly functional, with large, open-plan interiors that accommodated the needs of industrial production. Its loss remains a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving architectural heritage, and it continues to be celebrated in architectural history as a masterpiece of interwar industrial design. Today, the site is occupied by a modern development, but the legacy of the Firestone Building endures as a symbol of Brentford's industrial past and the enduring appeal of Art Deco architecture.

Address: Great West Road, Brentford, London, England.