Art Deco/Modernist Council Offices, Dorchester, Dorset

Image: © Alan Cooper Taken: Unknown

The foundation stone was laid on 26 September 1938 by the Earl of Shaftesbury. The architect was H E Matthews. However, the outbreak of war delayed the completion until 1955 when the Lord Bishop Suffragan of Sherborne laid the dedication stone on 27 May 1955. The stones are either side of the entrance steps. It looks like there may have been flag poles on the front of the building (or plans for these). The main building seen in the photograph contains the court house on the left side and the reception area in the centre of the block, which retains much of its Art Deco feel. There is then a passage from behind the reception area that connects to another building behind (it can just be seen to the left). This building has 3 wings that go to the left, right and ahead. At the junction is an Art Deco circular stairwell with a lift in the centre. Many of the rooms in these blocks have the metal Crittall windows.

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