The Improved Industrial Dwellings Company

The Improved Industrial Dwellings Company (IIDC) was a Victorian Model dwellings company founded in 1863 by the printer, philanthropist and later Lord Mayor of London Sir Sydney Waterlow. The company operated predominantly in Central London as a provider of block dwellings for the working classes, employing a strict selection and discipline regime amongst its tenants to ensure a healthy return on investment.[1] Starting with a capital of £50,000,[2] the IIDC became one of the largest and most successful of the model dwellings companies, housing at its height around 30,000 individuals.[3]

Improved Industrial Dwellings Company
TypePublic
IndustryHousing
FoundedLondon, UK (1863 (1863))
FounderSydney Waterlow
Headquarters
London
ProductsModel dwellings
The Clarendon Buildings on Balderton Street, Mayfair. Built by the IIDC in 1872.

Waterlow's example was influential. The Newcastle Upon Tyne Improved Industrial Dwellings Company was set up by James Hall of Hall Brothers Steamship Company, Tynemouth, after visiting Sir Sydney Waterlow's establishment in London.[4][5]

Buildings

Waterlow worked with the builder Matthew Allen, choosing not to use an architect. Blocks built by the IIDC include:

There were others in Old St Pancras Road, Wapping, Greenwich and Islington.[12]

See also

References
  1. Tarn, J.N. (1968) The Improved Industrial Dwellings Company, Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society, vol. 22, pp. 43-59.http://www.lamas.org.uk/archives/transactions/volume22.html
  2. National Archives acquisition LMA/4013
  3. Wohl, A.S. (1977) The eternal slum: housing and social policy in Victorian London. London: Edward Arnold
  4. William Hayward (1896). James Hall of Tynemouth: A Beneficent Life of a Busy Man of Business. unknown library. s.n.]
  5. Geography, Kay's (2 June 2019). "Garth Heads". Newcastle residential areas. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  6. "Settlement and building: From 1865 to 1900 | British History Online".
  7. "Bethnal Green: Building and Social Conditions from 1876 to 1914 | British History Online".
  8. "Plate 31: Working-class housing | British History Online".
  9. "Cobden Buildings, Clerkenwell, London".
  10. "Plus ça change". 9 February 2011.
  11. "Northampton Square area: South and north of Northampton Square | British History Online".
  12. National Archives acquisition LMA/4013
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