Fonthill Road, Dubarry Building (comprising Fonthill Road, Hove Business Centre and Hove Park Villas, Microscape House and Dubarry House), Hove

Asset type

Historic building - Factory

Local Listing Reference

LLHA0067

Conservation Area (CA)

No CA

Description

The Standard Tablet Company was established in 1901 by Harry William Kilby Pears, son of a retail chemist. The company produced a limited range of cosmetics. It gradually acquired the Fonthill Road site between c.1907 and 1923. A number of extensions were approved during this period, with the factory housed within four separate buildings.

During the First World War, Kilby Pears launched Dubarry cosmetics, named in honour of French allies (the glamorous Madame du Barry was a favourite of Louis XV). The Standard Tablet Company went into liquidation in 1923. Its assets were purchased and a new company established, called Dubarry, with Kilby Pears as managing director. The company became particularly well-known for its packaging – specifically glass bottles – which have now become collectible items.

The current building was designed by E Wallis Long in 1930. Of three and four storeys, it appears to be formed of a number of different sections of slightly differing designs; it is possible that these relate to some extent to previous buildings on site. The building incorporates large panels with green mosaic lettering. These, in combination with the crittal windows, create a strong horizontal emphasis. Some of the windows have been replaced with upvc, although some of the original crittal windows also survive. The roof is mainly flat, with some later additions. One 6-bay section has a decorative parapet, incorporating curved pediments over each individual bay, with a larger pediment over the two central bays. Dubarry moved away in the 1960s, with the building then put to a variety of different uses.

Source: Middleton 2002

A.  Architectural, design and artistic interest

ii. An original design of early 20th century factory building / perfumery

v. The decorative mosaic panels are of particular artistic interest.

B. Historic and evidential interest

i. Close association with the Dubarry firm, which became a household name in the mid 20th century. This association is directly reflected in the building’s fabric.

C. Townscape interest

ii. Not within a conservation area, the building – particularly the mosaic panels – add interest to the streetscene and views from Hove Railway Station.

E. Rarity and representativeness

i. A relatively rare example of a perfumery and early 20th century factory of particular artistic quality

ii. Representative of the legacy of the Dubarry firm

Date of inclusion

2015