The Royal Albert Hall (built 1867-71)
The Royal Albert Hall leaves a unique footprint on the architectural landscape of London that is as recognisable throughout the world as much by its form as use.

The juxtaposition of contemporary architecture against old often works well but not on The Royal Albert Hall. It's symmetry, with porches on all four compass points dictated that the new porch be in keeping in regard to design and materials used.

If it was difficult in 1867 to find a manufacturer capable of doing justice to the design it was equally the case in 2001. The industry that grew from the late Victorian period with 20 or more competent manufacturers had collapsed by the end of The 2nd World War. By the time this work was planned only two established UK manufacturers survived and despite understandable efforts on behalf of the architects no other overseas supplier was judged competent to undertake manufacture.

It was with enormous pride that Shaws of Darwen were entrusted with supplying over 8,000 new blocks carefully crafted to match the colour and quality of the original work. Our design team dedicated enormous care over producing more than 800 cad drawings each prepared to match size, shape and profile of the original work. Because clay shrinks as it dries and fires these drawings had to compensate for approx. 5% contraction during the manufacturing process. Plaster models and moulds were made for each type of block that were used to form the colour-matched clay blocks.

Drying and firing techniques are state of the art at Shaws of Darwen with kilns able to accommodate the vast array of block sizes and shapes.

The success of the project is evident and to walk around the building the only obvious difference in old and new is the cleanliness of the South Porch.