Era: 1920s
ABV: Not Stated
Volume: 70cl
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Boord & Son Ltd. was a London-based distiller and producer of spirits, recognized for products such as Old Tom Cordial Gin, Pale Orange Bitters, and "Black Cat" Old Jamaica Rum. Historical records indicate they operated in London, with trademarks registered at 115-121 Tooley Street. A architecturally speaking, Boord & Son's Distillery was built in 1899-1901 to provide a consolidated, riverside location for the two previously separated branches of the firm's business. The new complex, of which only the General Office fronting Tooley Street survives, was largely designed by Aston Webb. It extended northwards from the distinctive office front in a huge, narrow swathe of distillery buildings and bonded warehouses - some pre-existing warehouses being retained and re-used - terminating at an equally striking edifice, the South Thames Wharf. The General Office is of considerable interest, not only as one of Aston Webb's earlier, lesser known commissions, but also as an example of a turn-of-the century commercial building that exploited innovative construction and state-of-the-art service technologies. The judicious use of structural steel - in tandem with exterior loadbearing walls - enabled a large, well-lit, atrium complete with first-floor gallery. This visually impressive architectural space, clearly designed to impress visitors to the firm's prestige commercial headquarters, was dependent on the concealed steel framing and as such is illustrative of how architects of this era were exploiting the material to realize challenging formal, planning and aesthetic requirements. Similarly, from a functional perspective, the employment of a hot-water system, electric lighting, mechanical ventialation and telephones satisfied the requirements of both the clerical/administrative and industrial nature of the work conducted throughout the complex as a whole.
