Arkwright House, Manchester

 Arkwright House was a specially commissioned headquarters for the ESCC. An imposing building, in a mix of classical and art deco design, it was completed in 1937. 



As well as being the centre of the combine's administrative work, there were also testing rooms and labs on site - sample reels of cotton were sent here every week to be quality tested. This photo of one of the rooms gives an internal view:



This artwork dating from the early years of the building show a company that wanted to portray itself as modern, imposing and a force to be reckoned with.




Although Arkwright House escaped the WW2 bombs that fell on Manchester, it was damaged by an IRA bomb later on in the century.  It was repaired and is still in use as offices.  It is a listed building.



I took this photo on a visit a couple of years ago. I'm too shy to ask for a look round inside though.









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