I'd seen it from afar on a couple previous forays into Chelsea and South Kensington, but this time, walking home from the V&A, we passed right by it, and Vicki indulged my desire to document it as fully as reasonable. (Our definitions of "reasonable" diverge occasionally). Anyhow, "it" is the Michelin House, built in 1911, Michelin's original office and tyre (tire) distribution center in Britain. It features the Michelin Man, Bibendum, of course, and is as close as you're going to get to an Art Nouveau tire store. Anywhere. Among many other items, Michelin House features a couple dozen tile depictions of the great automobile races of 1890s and early 1900s. I have pictures of all of them now, should anyone be interested. Most will be posted below anyway. Michelin House became a mixed-use business facility in the late 1900s, but has retained all its many beautiful exterior ornaments. Look here and here for further information and amusement.
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| Muy importante...first use of Michelin tires in a race |
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Incredible place, if you're into London architecture, business history, art nouveau, tires... |
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