Markham Building
The Markham building in cnr Eloff & President str Johannesburg
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeBusiness-use
LocationJohannesburg, South Africa
Coordinates26°12′16″S 28°02′32″E / 26.20452°S 28.04224°E / -26.20452; 28.04224
Completed1896
Height
Roof102 metres (335 ft)
Technical details
Floor count6
Design and construction
Architect(s)George Ransome

The Markham Building is a building in Johannesburg, South Africa, which when completed in 1897 was the tallest building in the city. The six story building has a clock tower housing a large clock imported from Scotland with four faces North, South, East and West. Known as Markham's Folly, because it stood out clearly in the centre of Johannesburg. In the clock tower there was an artist studio. The building was saved from demolition in 1978 [1][2]

History

Built in the late Victorian style of architecture the building was owned by Henry William Markham who arrived in Cape Town from England in 1873 . He set up a successful outfitter's business and in 1895 he then decided to open a branch in Johannesburg. After Henry's death his son in law took over the business.[3]

Soon after its completion

Architecture

The Markhams Building was designed by George Ransome, a Cape Town architect who had previously designed the Cape Town Markhams store. The building features a Second Empire style roof, quite unique in Johannesburg. The plate steeply slanted plate metal roofing and porthole windows give the building a Parisian feel.

References

  1. ↑ "Markhams Building - BLUE PLAQUES OF SOUTH AFRICA". Blueplaques.co.za. Archived from the original on 22 October 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  2. ↑ "Markhams Building". Blueplaques.co.za. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  3. ↑ "city of Johannesburg - Markham's battle for survival". Joburg.org.za. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
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