Findlater’s Corner
Location: Findlater’s Corner
Architect: Benedict O’Looney
Restoration: Restore London
2022 - Text partly from Benedict O’Looney
On a busy corner of London Bridge you will discover Findlater's Corner, a rundown collection of Victorian railway arches which have been dramatically transformed as part of a joint venture between Benny O'Looney Architects, The Arch Company, ITC and Restore London LTD. The project is part of Project 1000, a £200m plan to bring a thousand derelict railway arches into use by 2030.
The site is situated within a viaduct originally constructed by South Eastern Railway in 1863-1865, which brought trains from London Bridge into the West End and the City.
Unoccupied since 2018, Findlater's Corner has been home to a number of businesses over the years, however it is most known for (and get's it's namesake from) the wine
merchants Findlater, Mackie and Todd, a company which served the Royal Family. Findlater's traded from 1865-1967, and the area was eventually named Findlater's Corner by the local population.
In 1897 the original Victorian architecture was updated into a Beaux Arts Style, with the facade also including a large clock and distinctive ceramic stag head, referencing Findlater's Scottish roots and whisky business.
The clock was famously stuck at 11.47 for over 50 years, from the departure of Findlater's in 1967 until 2012 when it was finally repaired.
The now completed project is a fantastic example of how to expertly restore a historical building, with great consideration taken into bringing the facade and the surrounding arches back to life. Through the process they have made several discoveries, such as the Jesse Rust 'Express Dairy' glass mosaic which points to the 'Smoking room' and 'Ladies Room'.