The 'Shell Mex' Art Deco Clock

The London landmark that is Shell Mex House, with its famous clock overlooking the Thames, was designed by Frances Milton Cashmore of the architectural firm Joseph. The building was officially opened in 1933. It's thoroughly modern Art Deco appearance reflected the patrons for whom it was built; Royal Dutch Shell and British Petroleum (BP) who merged to become Shell-Mex and BP in 1932. The famous tower on the roof featured one of the largest clock dials in Britain at 7.62 meters (larger than Big Ben, it was affectionately nicknamed ‘Big Benzene’ by Londoners in the 1930s). The statues that flank the tower at each corner were by William Charles Holland King (1884-1973).