Building record 5648 - Thornton BPM (Laboratory Building No27), Pool Lane, Ince

Thornton BPM Laboratory
LL41 (Previously LL IN/3)

Address: Building No. 27, off Pool Lane, Ince
Architect: Sir A J Cobham with Sir J Burnet & Partners
Date: C1943


Description

Built to house the work of Dutch escapees from occupied Holland, who continued their work here as “Bataafe Petroleum Maatschappij”.

Original purpose was to derive chemicals from petroleum (DDT Teepol).

Architecturally a subsidiary “pavilion” to the main Aero Engine Laboratory.

A short square central tower, less dramatic than buildings 38 and 50 (LL43 and LL44), possibly reflecting the haste with which it was constructed under wartime conditions.

Some relief sculpture of an aeronautical theme with distinctive Art Deco style external light fittings.

A modest interpretation of the International style that has its origins in the “Bauhaus” School of Architecture of 1920s Germany.

Condition
Good.

Current use
In use as offices.

Updated November 2006 (1)

<1> Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, 2007, Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council Local List of Historic Buildings, LL41 (Index). SCH5437.