Daily Express Building

The Daily Express Building in Manchester stands as one of the most striking and celebrated examples of Art Deco architecture in the United Kingdom. Completed in 1939, it was originally constructed as the northern headquarters and printing facility for the Daily Express newspaper. The building’s sleek, futuristic design was highly innovative for its time, featuring an elegant combination of curved glass curtain walls and black vitrolite panels that create a striking, streamlined facade. This bold use of glass and glossy materials gave the structure a sense of modernity and speed, reflecting the dynamic world of news media during the interwar period.

Inside, the building was designed with equally modern considerations, including open-plan office spaces and state-of-the-art printing facilities for its era. The exterior’s decorative terracotta and chrome detailing exemplify the Art Deco commitment to craftsmanship and decorative flourishes, even in industrial and commercial buildings. Now a Grade II* listed building, it stands as a significant architectural landmark and is an enduring symbol of Manchester’s rich industrial and cultural history.

Interesting Facts

• Completed: 1939

• Architect: Sir Owen Williams

• Original use: Headquarters and printing works for the Daily Express newspaper

• Design innovation: Early use of glass curtain wall construction in the UK

• Listed status: Grade II* listed for architectural and historic importance

• Cultural significance: One of three iconic Daily Express buildings in the UK, alongside London and Glasgow