The Whitebirk Sink Company specialises in handcrafting unique Belfast sinks, utilising the technical expertise of sister company Darwen Terracotta, allows customers to choose from a vast library of sink designs, textures and shades. When one of the UK's oldest and most highly respected terracotta companies closed its architectural division to concentrate on their fireclay sink business, the opportunity arose for former employees to set up a new business and re-employ the very skilled craftspeople. “It was really important that we could employ many of the team we have worked with for so many years. Apart from the friendships involved, the product is so specialised that we could not see the loss of these skills that Darwen has been famous for since the end of the 19th century. The industry, including Architects and Contractors, has been so very supportive, that it has been heartwarming and keeps alive the passion required to produce this high-quality product.” — Jon Wilson, Darwen Terracotta Darwen Terracotta have an expert team that has many years of experience within the industry, having worked on both restoration and new build projects for some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK, Europe, North America, Canada and Australia. We have the specialist skills required to design, sculpt, match and produce terracotta and faience to the highest standard to restore any building.
terracotta blocks to the façades and tower, along with replacement Atlas figures and lion sculptures. The Natural History Museum in which our sculptors have worked on both the external and internal facades. Harrods Department Store, which we have been working on continually for over twenty-six years, recreating the terracotta to the facades and roof areas.
This scheme includes over 1300 of our hand made ceramic units for the low-carbon energy centre. The centre is projected to save 3,100 tonnes of carbon emissions in its first five years of operation, the scheme will help Manchester achieve its ambition to be carbon-free by 2038.
As for the New Build sector of the business, because handmade terracotta and faience offer practically unlimited design flexibility for shape, size and colour, the only real limit is your imagination. The most recent job to be completed is the 'Wall of Energy', this building encompasses the new 40m tall 'Tower of Light', delivered by Manchester City Council and Vital Energi. The wall will be partially transparent and will allow passersby a glimpse into the energy centre. Harrods Department Store, London
Darwen’s work is featured on building such as the London Collessium, home of the English National Opera, this Frank Matcham designed, Grade II theatre required 4600 new
Tower of Light, Manchester
26
LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE
www.lancmag.com
