Description

1922. Single storey and basement, 5-bay symmetrical classical former soap laboratory (offices 2006). Red brick 2-storey and basement to rear. Grey granite ashlar to street elevation (E). Base course, cornice, blocking course. Steps leading to central pilastered doorpiece with 2 Doric columns and recessed 2-leaf 4 panel timber door with sidelights and fanlight above. Advanced outer bays with tripartite windows.

Predominantly small pane timber sash and case windows. Piended roof with grey slates. Coped ridge and wallhead stacks. Cast-iron rainwater goods.

BOUNDARY WALL AND RAILINGS: to street elevation; low granite wall surmounted by decorative metal railings.

INTERIOR: comprehensively modernised (2006).

Statement of Interest

This is an unusual and striking building with a distinctive low classical profile and a good central doorpiece. Industrial buildings of this quality are rare in Aberdeen and the careful detailing here marks this building out as exceptional. The contrast between the grey granite used for the street elevation and the red brick at the rear is used to good effect, indicating perhaps the dual nature of the building as both formal offices and industrial laboratories.

The building was built for Messrs Ogsten and Tennant, who were internationally known manufacturers of soaps and candles. Bought by Unilever after WWII, the factory closed in the 1970s and has since been converted into offices (2006).

Reference from previous List description: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 13/6/1922.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• The Soap Factory at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q7765055

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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