|
MICHELIN
HOUSE
Michelin incorporated
their United Kingdom branch in 1905 with high ambitions - they wanted
to compete with Dunlop on Dunlop's own turf! Andre Michelin wanted to
build a headquarters that would clearly identify Michelin's ambitions
for the UK. So in 1911, a stone monument to corporate mascot Bibendum
was erected at the junction of Fulham Road and Sloan Avenue in the
Kensington neighborhood of London. The building would house Michelin's
UK offices.

Michelin House

CONCEPT DRAWING FOR "MICHELIN
HOUSE."
NOTICE THAT THE BIB's ON THE CORNERS OF THE ROOF, AND A FEW OTHER
ECCENTRIC DETAILS, WERE TONED DOWN A BIT ON THE ACTUAL BUILDING
Michelin House (as the British
call it) was architecturally very bold for conservative English
tastes, incorporating flamboyant color, stained glass, tile, and "tire"
motifs throughout. The ornamentation is impressive. Notice the large
stacks of tires on each corner of the building, resembling Bib's body
- they illuminate with an eerie yellow glow at night!
The building was the headquarters of Michelin UK until about 20 or so
years ago, at which time it was vacated by Michelin and sold. There is
a rumor floating around about how the building left Michelin's
ownership. As rumors go, you can believe it or not, but here it is;
The head of Michelin UK at the time was a headstrong and demanding
type, not well liked among the office employees. He hated the commute
into downtown London to get to his office, so he quietly and swiftly
sold the building and opened up a new UK Michelin headquarters, nearer
to his home on the outskirts of London. The rumor continues that when
the Michelin Family in France found out, they were furious! How could
such a tremendous landmark be sold? Fortunately, the building is
listed on a British historic register and must be maintained in its
original state.

BIB POURING TIRES OUT
OF MICHELIN HOUSE AND INTO ANOTHER BUILDING - ANYONE KNOW WHAT THIS
OTHER BUILDING IS?
Today, this 90 year-old
building is not only standing, but has been restored to pristine
condition! You can even enjoy a snack and a drink at the "Bibendum
Crustacea," oyster bar while admiring an H-Van and a 2CV
Truckette in the building's foyer.
The Michelin Building is located near Pelham Crescent, just south of
Hyde Park, near Harrods. The South Kensington Tube stop puts you right
there!
|