Wandering around Dalston a few weeks ago I ambled down onto the canal towpath and had a peek around Kingsland Basin that used to serve Norway, Benyon and Quebec Wharves etc. There's not much going on there these days – it's all waterside apartments, pushchairs and pilates.
On the northwest side there is an information board which I assume was put there to enlighten visitors who might wonder what went on in these marvellous brick-built warehouses 200 years ago.
Well, if you'd like to read the board, you'll need to be 6ft tall or sitting on someone's shoulders as it's set too high for the average able-bodied mortal and there is no platform to stand on. Add to that, it's protected by 'clear' plexiglass that has over time become frosted; effectively a blurring of the past.
Near to the sign and the stable block there is a rather nice linear depiction of the Regents Canal carved into the paving. It sort of makes up for the info board, but not really.
On the northwest side there is an information board which I assume was put there to enlighten visitors who might wonder what went on in these marvellous brick-built warehouses 200 years ago.
Well, if you'd like to read the board, you'll need to be 6ft tall or sitting on someone's shoulders as it's set too high for the average able-bodied mortal and there is no platform to stand on. Add to that, it's protected by 'clear' plexiglass that has over time become frosted; effectively a blurring of the past.
Near to the sign and the stable block there is a rather nice linear depiction of the Regents Canal carved into the paving. It sort of makes up for the info board, but not really.
Hello Jane
ReplyDeleteSo wandering around Dalston today my wife and I came across the interesting looking building 'Norway Warf'. On looking it up we come across your post Jane! What a coincidence and how ironic that we'd just the previous immensely enjoyed your walking tour of Highbury Art Deco! Anyway heres info on Norway Warf...AI!
Norway Wharf in Limehouse, London, has a rich industrial history, transitioning from a 19th-century ice storage facility and industrial site into a residential area by the early 2000s. Originally linked to the importation of Norwegian ice by Carlo Gatti in the 1850s, the site featured ice wells, later developing into a horse and cart depot before being redeveloped into modern apartments, including a 12-storey tower, by 2005.
Key History and Background:
19th Century Ice Trade: Carlo Gatti established the site between 1855–1858 for storing imported Norwegian natural ice, with a second ice well constructed in 1863.
Industrial Evolution: Following its use as an ice house, the site was used by engineering firms such as T.W. Cowan for manufacturing heavy agricultural steam equipment, and later by Harvey's, who produced metal items.
Structure Reconstruction: Major reconstruction in 1904–1906, led by architect H. Phelps Drew, transformed the site into a, horse and cart depot with, stables, creating the, recognizable, brick, industrial structure.
Redevelopment: By the early 2000s, the site was used as a stonemason's yard. It was redeveloped by Galliard Homes Ltd. and completed around December 2005.
Modern Site: Designed by Proctor & Matthews Architects, the current Norway Wharf comprises 73 apartments, featuring a 12-storey tower oriented towards the Limehouse Cut Canal, set within the St. Anne's Conservation Area.
The site is bordered by the Limehouse Cut Canal to the east, the DLR viaduct to the south, and is located near the Grade I listed St. Anne's Church.
Prev comment from Andy
ReplyDeleteJane here. What a coincidence!
ReplyDeleteAnd I haven’t yet had time to send you a ‘thanks for joining my walk’ email..!
Interesting info re Norway Wharf but it is about the Limehouse wharf not the Dalston one. Though they might be connected. Imho the Ai results are often a mishmash!
On the Friends of Regents Canal site it says this:
ReplyDeleteDuring the 19th century, Norway Wharf (Nos. 18-20 Hertford Road) was a timber wharf with some structures (probably open timber sheds) on the northern boundary. In 1901, the current structure was built on the Hertford Road frontage to the designs of the architects Meakin & Archer. Norway Wharf is a two-storey brick warehouse with small cast iron windows and divided into two equal halves by a centrally placed gateway leading into the wharf. It is enlivened architecturally by the use of blue industrial brick to the door and window surrounds and at base of the structure. It is a building that has potential for reuse and is characteristic of the industrial nature of the buildings all along Herford Road.