Celebrating 70 Years of Albion Stone

Albion Stone is proud to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee in 2025, marking 70 years since the business was purchased by Harold Poultney in 1955 —grandfather of current Managing Director, Michael Poultney.

As part of the celebration, we’re delving into our archives to reflect on the landmark projects and key moments that have defined our journey. From handwritten notes and archived diaries to iconic architecture across the UK, these glimpses into our past remind us how far we’ve come—and how Portland Stone has remained central to our story.

 

1955–1965: The Queen’s Building

One of our earliest landmark projects was the Queen’s Building, designed as a new science facility featuring a library, now known as the Octagon. It aimed to attract more science students and was constructed using Portland Stone supplied by Albion Stone to Dove Brothers Ltd—an esteemed construction firm based in Islington, active from 1781 to 1993.

According to building plans from 1956, the project had a total cost of £500,000 (equivalent to approximately £11 million today). Our records show that Phase 1—restoration—was completed on 23rd January 1957. Later that year, Phase 2 commenced, focusing on walling and garaging. Notably, the Queen Mother officially opened the building on 5th November 1957.

1965–1975: 21 Lombard Street – National Westminster Bank

Not every project ran smoothly. A note from a meeting on 21st May 1973 described 21 Lombard Street as the most time-consuming and least rewarding contract the company has ever undertaken.

Some things never change! The same challenges we face today were just as present in the past. But through tough times, Albion Stone has always found a way to persevere, thrive, and grow stronger.

1975–1985: Moscow Narodny Bank

This decade was transformative. Albion Stone purchased its first quarries on the Isle of Portland and began not only manufacturing Portland Stone but now also extracting blocks. One standout project from this era was the Moscow Narodny Bank, the first for which Albion Stone supplied material sourced entirely from our Independent Quarry.

The stone was chosen to match the building’s original façade, which was also undergoing restoration. Works focused on the Nicholas Lane elevation, where the architect sought to avoid expansion joints. Albion Stone proposed a 200mm thick loadbearing cladding solution, creating a seamless ashlar façade rising several storeys.

1985–1995: The Cobb at Lyme Regis

Completed in 1993, the Cobb at Lyme Regis remains one of our most enduring and important coastal projects. Portland Stone was selected as a sea defence material—a testament to its durability and strength.

Constantly exposed to sea air and harsh marine conditions, the stone remains in excellent condition over 30 years later. This project continues to serve as living proof of Portland Stone’s resilience, and why it has long been the material of choice for London and beyond.

1995–2005: The London Stock Exchange

In 2002, Albion Stone supplied material for the redevelopment of the New London Stock Exchange, designed by Eric Parry Architects. Part of the larger transformation of Paternoster Square near St Paul’s Cathedral, this development created a cohesive blend of office, retail and public space.

Eric Parry selected Portland Grove Whitbed following an extensive selection and testing process by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Over a 50-week period, Albion produced the finished stone at our factory. It was used both externally and internally—from the façade to the foyers and lift lobbies.

2005–2015: BBC Broadcasting House

Perhaps one of our most visible contributions, the redevelopment and extension of the BBC’s Broadcasting House in London’s West End featured our Bowers Roach stone prominently. Seen regularly on national television, the stonework provides a striking backdrop for news broadcasts and presentations.

The project, completed in two phases, required sensitive planning due to the presence of 14 listed buildings in the area, including the Grade I listed All Souls Church. Albion Stone supplied around 7,000m² of Portland Stone, earning recognition at the 2006 Natural Stone Awards in the "New Build Modern Non Load Bearing Stone" category.

2015–2025: The Peninsula Hotel

One of our most prestigious recent projects is the Peninsula Hotel, designed by Hopkins Architects. This stunning transformation of a 1960s office block into a world-class hotel and residences has quickly become a new architectural icon in central London.

Albion Stone supplied over 10,000m² of Jordans and Bowers Basebed for the building’s refined façade. Completed by specialist contractor Grants of Shoreditch, the stonework draws inspiration from the Italian Renaissance palazzo and is a shining example of Portland Stone’s aesthetic and structural versatility.

Looking Ahead

Seventy years on, Albion Stone remains proud of its past and ambitious for its future. Our foundations are strong, built on generations of skill and dedication, and we continue to shape the built environment with the same care, quality and integrity that have defined us since 1955. As we move forward, we remain committed to improving our service and product quality, all while reducing our carbon emissions and driving more sustainable practices across everything we do.

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