It should come as no surprise that here at Brickhunter, we love bricks. They're an effective and affordable building material and bring creativity and colour to the architectural landscape of our towns and cities.
Some of the UK's most beloved architecture is built with brick and it's still widely used today in houses, modern offices and commercial buildings. This is mainly because of the aesthetic properties they provide.
One of the most iconic buildings in London, St Pancras Station, is a stellar example of brick at it's best - and it's one of our favourite buildings in the capital.
Technically, it's the old Midland Grand Hotel façade that we'll be focusing on, but that's what everyone thinks of when you say St Pancras, isn't it?
Need inspiration?A red brick icon
St Pancras International train station is known for a few things. For some it's the single-sprung arch roof of the train shed itself or the fact that you can hop on a train to France.
For others, it's the pianos dotted around the concourse of the shopping area. It's certainly become a popular tourist destination in recent years.
But arguably the most recognisable and impressive feature of the station is the brick building at the front which faces Euston Road.
This Italian Gothic masterpiece, which now holds the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, is defined by its red bricks and gothic spires.
Although it's known primarily as a red-brick building, it’s polychromatic and uses a number of different building materials throughout - including creamy limestone and granite.
This Italian Gothic masterpiece, which now holds the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, is defined by its red bricks and gothic spires
A brief history
St Pancras Station was first built when the Midland Railway Company secured plans for a new London terminus, to be built next to King's Cross Station, run by the Great Northern Railway.
The station itself was completed and opened to the public in 1868.
It was designed by William Henry Barlow and, to simplify design and reduce costs, it was decided that a single-span roof would be built and sprung directly from station level. At the time, the train shed was the largest enclosed space in the world.
In 1873 the Midland Grand Hotel opened. This is the building we see at the front, looking largely the same as it would have then.
Designed by George Gilbert Scott this flamboyant neo-Gothic building was always an audacious vision.
The Midland Railway were convinced by the fact that it would stand head and shoulders above any other terminus in London - and with building materials coming from the Midlands, it was meant to be.
It's likeness to cathedrals isn't by accident as Scott was known for church architecture. The hotel building bears a striking resemblance to another of his buildings, Kelham House in Nottinghamshire, which has a similar red-brick construction in this Gothic style.
Threat of extinction
The building and station have had a roller-coaster ride since it opened. The original hotel was closed in 1935 and converted into offices. It was damaged by German bombing in 1940 but continued to be used.
By 1966 there were talks of its closure and subsequent demolition, as the station was deemed surplus to requirements.
Understandably this was met with fierce opposition and a campaign succeeded in halting these plans. The station and hotel became a Grade I-listed building and so it still stands today.
In 2005 consent was given to once again turn it into a hotel and apartments, and in 2007 St Pancras was reopened as St Pancras International following an £800 million restoration.
What about the bricks?
As part of the hotel's big refurbishment, Scott's architectural vision was preserved. So, what was used to create this eye-catching exterior and iconic building?
The red bricks used were Grippe's Patent Nottingham bricks, although when demand outstripped supply they then sourced additional bricks from Tucker & Sons of Loughborough.
The façade also includes dressings in Ancaster limestone as well as shafts of red and grey Peterhead granite. The train shed wall also uses ceramic tiles.
It's not all fancy stuff. The undercroft which makes up the bulk of the foundations was far more functional and utilitarian. This was built from dark stock bricks that were likely made and fired on-site.
The ultimate achievement of the iconic brickwork was how the rich red bricks and cream stone contrasted with the typical yellows and browns of other London brickwork.
Even then the architecture marked a definite departure from the industrialisation of the day and championed classical, more refined styles.
It certainly left an impression back then and it still does now. Even today, its grandeur isn't lost on the passer-by.
A lasting legacy
The station and frontage have become known as the 'cathedral of railways' for its grand religious appearance.
It's often ranked among the best stations in Britain for both appearance and passenger experience. It's clearly not just superficial.
Indeed, the grand appearance on the exterior is matched by the enjoyable amenities, artwork and sights inside. As the international train station of the UK, it succeeds in showing off some of the best of British culture. And that includes the brickwork!
We're here for you
Many of the Gothic attributes of the St Pancras exterior can be achieved at home with a range of special bricks and features. If you're looking for something really impressive, why not take inspiration from the best.
Our free Brick Selection service could be just what you need; if you want to use bricks that merge seamlessly with the rest of your home, our Brick Matching service could be right up your street; or if you'd prefer to browse bricks for yourself, we have more than 3,800 products to choose from in our Brick Library!
Our expert Brick Advisors are standing by to help you figure out how many bricks you need for your project, then source them and find you the best price - we'll even arrange delivery too!
