Blandford Square, Blandford House

A huge impressive warehouse built for the Cooperative Wholesale Society in 1899 by Oliver and Leeson and now used as headquarters for Tyne and Wear Museums Service and as the County Archives. Intricate detailing to the outside is reflected in the interior by a prestigious boardroom and splendid tiled toilet facilities. Red brick with sandstone and terracotta dressings. Lakeland slate roofs with copper domes. 4 storeys and 2 storey attics. Full-height flat pilasters support attic balcony, over egg-and-dart moulding with stone brackets. Sashed windows with glazing bars. On left corner a tall narrow oriel rests on stone corbel and rises to ogree dome, with crowning onion domelet and spike finial. Right bay has canted oriel with similar dome. Interior: high-quality staircase and director's suite with marble stairs, walnut panelling, stained glass on top landing showing large wheatsheaf and art deco light fittings. LISTED GRADE 2