Appraisal

No. 5, Dryden Street

Part of the late-19^th century redevelopment of the Mercers’ Estate, no. 5, Dryden Street returns south-eastwards around the corner of Arne Street as nos. 4 and 6, Arne Street.

The red brick faced elevation to Dryden Street comprises three storeys plus mansard with dormers. There are three unequal bays at first and second floor levels,containing elliptically-arched windows with alternating voussoirs in red and white at 1st floor level with original, painted timber casements, and pilasters with moulded leaf capitals framing the 4-over-8 sash-windows at second floor level. A moulded brick dentil cornice runs across elevation above the first floor windows. Regrettably, the wide, glazed brick faced pilasters at ground floor level have been over-painted in white.

The same treatment is carried around the canted corner to Arne Street and rises to embrace the third floor storey. The two, projecting, iron hoists located at high level on the canted corner which served the surviving inward-opening doors at second and third floor levels are interesting historical features and reflect the original warehouse function of the building. In addition the gable at the corner contains the Maiden's Head emblem of the Mercers’ Company.

The building reflects the strong commercial architecture of the date. The building has been well-refurbished recently and there is a neat, slated mansard which does not detract from the appearance of the building. The sleek modern fenestration and subdued colouring are appropriate to the character of the architecture and form a model for future maintenance. The corner has pilasters at second floor level with foliated capitals and the second floor windows have strong alternating red and white voussoirs.

The building is of architectural interest and considerable townscape value and contributes positively to the character, appearance and significance of the Covent Garden Conservation Area.