When you think of listed buildings, it is usually castles, old monuments and conservation sites that spring to mind. But now a 1960s petrol station in Leicestershire UK has been added to the English Heritage list. Experts said the circular "parasol" canopies over the forecourt of the Esso garage, were once used all over the world. The station is thought to be the only remaining example of the style in the UK.
"It's quite unusual for a petrol station to be listed – this is one of just two from the 1960s," said English Heritage architectural historian John Minnis. "As far as we know, the one in Leicestershire is the last of its kind left in the country." The sort of canopies you get now are big and flat and quite high up. That started when filling stations started to go over to self service, because it was important to keep customers dry."
The circular canopies, built in the late 1960s, were designed by American modernist architect Elliot Noyes. He was commissioned by Mobil in 1964 to create an instantly recognisable and attractive design, which went on to be used all over the world. Mr Minnis said: "The criteria for listing post-war buildings are very strict – they really have to possess significant architectural or historic significance to be considered.
"The one in Leicestershire was picked because it's the only one left, it's the work of a celebrated designer and the canopies are intact." Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said the canopies in Birstall had survived "remarkably well" and that the petrol station was "perhaps the most innovative and distinctive petrol station in England". Heritage minister John Penrose granted listed status to the Birstall station and to a former station on the A1 at Markham Moor, West Drayton, Nottinghamshire, which has a curved concrete roof. He said they both represented a time "when road travel captured the public's imagination and the motorway was full of futuristic glamour".
"These petrol station canopies are splendid reminders of an era, not so long ago, when motoring was first becoming available to all, and a family car journey was very often an adventure in itself," said Mr Penrose.
Source; Leicester Mercury April 8th
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