Building record 5615 - Thornton Aero Engine Research Laboratory, Building 38, Off Pool Lane, Ince

Thornton Lubricating Oil Laboratory
LL42 (Previously LL IN/1)

Address: Building No. 38, off Pool Lane, Ince
Architect: Sir A J Cobham with Sir J Burnet & Partners
Date: 1941

Description

Built for research into diesels, oils and greases. The architect also designed Liverpool Airport Control Tower.

The central of three buildings, the others acting as subsidiary “pavilions”.

Central tower with grand staircase in a style commonly seen on other transport related subjects such as ocean liners and airport control towers. Typical applied decoration (aviation subjects). Horizontally proportioned metal frame windows and long sweeping handrails.

An International style with its origins in the “Bauhaus” School of Architecture of 1920s Germany.

Condition

Good.
Current use

In use as offices.

Updated November 2006

<1> Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, 2007, Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council Local List of Historic Buildings, LL42 (Index). SCH5437.