Financial Times Print Works: London, 1988

by David Jenkins

The Financial Times Print Works London 1988 Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners David Jenkins Jo Reid and John Peck it is entirely appropriate that the Financial Times, which founded a now prestigious architectural award, should be printed in a building which has itself received a host of awards and commendations. Since its completion in 1988, the FTs centenary year, it has become a rare symbol of architectural excellence in the enterprise zones of what used to be Londons docklands a landmark as significant at the eastern entry to the city, as the Hoover Factory is at the west. David Jenkins places the FT Print Works in the historical and architectural context of old Fleet Street, which became the centre of English newspaper publishing as it expanded and evolved. Of the great newspapers that once occupied grand buildings in and around Fleet Street until the industrys final exit from central London in the late 1980s, the FT is almost alone in maintaining its architectural standards. Nicholas Grimshaws cool industrial enclosure for the FTs stateoftheart presses takes full advantage of its prominent site and the theatrical potential of the process it houses, by revealing the machinery in view behind a spectacular glass wall. This is supported by a highly elaborated outboard structure which exemplifies Grimshaws precise attention to detail, and can only serve to consolidate his position as one of the most internationally respected practitioners of the hightech movement. This monograph is a complete and detailed record of the building. Its illustrated essay, portfolio of largeformat photographs (many in full colour), 14 pages of speciallydrawn technical details, and chronology and bibliography provide a unique document for architects, students and academics.

60 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991