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© Mr Geoff Dowling ARPS
IoE Number:
216993
Location:
1-7 CONSTITUTION HILL B19
BIRMINGHAM, BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS
Photographer:
Mr Geoff Dowling ARPS
Date Photographed:
22 August 1999
Date listed:
23 February 1981
Date of last amendment:
23 February 1981
Grade
II
The Images of England website consists of images of listed buildings based on the statutory list as it was in 2001 and does not incorporate subsequent amendments to the list. For the statutory list and information on the current listed status of individual buildings please go to The National Heritage List for England.
CONSTITUTION HILL
1.
5104
City Centre B19
Nos 1 to 7 (odd)
SP 0687 NE 25/5 25.2.81
II
2.
1896 built as works and offices for H B Sale, architects William Doubleday and
Shaw. Narrow triangular site with Hampton Street. Four storeys, dark red brick
elevations, terracota dressed, with swept shaped gables, the dominating feature
of the design is the striking 5 storey circular tower at the apex of the site,
faced in red terracotta. The upper floors are corbelled out from the base and
are richly ornamented with freely handled decorated forms terminating in a
galleried cupola that is of transitional Spanish Romanesque derivation
(Salamanca a Zamora). Shafted first floor windows, and bold ogee arches and drips
to 2nd floor. Between the second and third floors lush almost Richardsonian floral
decoration setting off the initials of H B Gale in large sinuous caps. Medieval
heads projecting from roundel plaques in spandrels of first floor window arches.
The swept gable side elevations have lively fenestration principally on tripartite
theme: segmental arcading containing ground floor windows and doors; group of 2
and 3 light windows with lobed shaped over arches on first floor and round arched
galleried windows to upper floors. Parapet heightened between gables on Hampton
Street. The building holds a very commanding position in the townscape.