Michelin House
Michelin House at 81 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, was constructed as the first permanent UK headquarters and tyre depot for the Michelin Tyre Company Ltd. It opened for business on 20 January 1911. The architect behind Michelin House was François Espinasse (1880-1925), who was employed as an engineer in the construction department at Michelin's headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand.
The building offered everything the motorist of the time required. Fitting bays at the front of the building allowed motorist to have their tyres speedily changed by Michelin fitters from the stock of over 30,000 stored in the basement. Tyres were brought up on a lift and rolled to the front of the building along the purposely sloped floor. To the left of the front recipient, a 'Touring Office' provided maps and writing implements for the keen motorist to plan his or her journey.
Within a year of opening, work started on an extension to the building to provide additional office space and included a second floor. The extension was built along the Lucan Place side of the building. A further extension was built in 1922, ten years after the first. Located where a garage had stood, it reached three floors.
After Michelin moved out in the mid-1980s the building was converted to a restaurant, shop and offices, reopening in 1987. It is listed Grade II.
Michelin House
Michelin House at 81 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, was constructed as the first permanent UK headquarters and tyre depot for the Michelin Tyre Company Ltd. It opened for business on 20 January 1911. The architect behind Michelin House was François Espinasse (1880-1925), who was employed as an engineer in the construction department at Michelin's headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand.
The building offered everything the motorist of the time required. Fitting bays at the front of the building allowed motorist to have their tyres speedily changed by Michelin fitters from the stock of over 30,000 stored in the basement. Tyres were brought up on a lift and rolled to the front of the building along the purposely sloped floor. To the left of the front recipient, a 'Touring Office' provided maps and writing implements for the keen motorist to plan his or her journey.
Within a year of opening, work started on an extension to the building to provide additional office space and included a second floor. The extension was built along the Lucan Place side of the building. A further extension was built in 1922, ten years after the first. Located where a garage had stood, it reached three floors.
After Michelin moved out in the mid-1980s the building was converted to a restaurant, shop and offices, reopening in 1987. It is listed Grade II.