Buzz
"Given the immense success of the Eiffel Tower and the financial gains it brought to its stakeholders, it’s reasonable to expect that soon, every major nation will have its own towering landmark." This statement appeared in an 1890 pamphlet titled Descriptive Illustrated Catalogue of the Sixty-Eight Competitive Designs for the Great Tower for London.
Sadly, Fred C. Lynde, representing the Tower Company, Ltd., was mistaken about the global architectural impact of the Eiffel Tower, as London’s ambitious project never materialized. But let’s rewind a bit.
Following the Eiffel Tower’s grand unveiling as the entrance to the 1889 Paris World's Fair and its status as the tallest man-made structure at the time, Sir Edward Watkin, a British Parliament member and media and railway magnate, reportedly declared, "Whatever Paris achieves, we can surpass." While his national pride was likely applauded, it wasn’t his sole reason for establishing the Tower Company, Ltd. Watkin, who also chaired London’s Metropolitan Railway, sought to attract more passengers as the railway expanded into the countryside. To entice Londoners, he envisioned a lavish park near a planned Wembley station, with the Tower as its crowning attraction.
After Gustave Eiffel declined their request, Watkin's Tower Company initiated a design competition in November 1889 to gather proposals for the Tower. Architects worldwide submitted sixty-eight designs, and despite selecting a winner, the project was abandoned. Construction started in 1892 but halted in 1896 with only the first of four levels finished. The chosen site was too marshy, and with fewer visitors than Watkin expected, funding dried up.
In 1899, the Tower Company was dissolved, though their incomplete structure—dubbed "Watkin's Folly" or "The London Stump"—stood until its demolition in 1904.
London never saw its Great Tower realized, but the catalog offers a fascinating glimpse into the imaginative and sometimes whimsical designs that could have been.
1.
The winning design by Stewart, MacLaren and Dunn was selected for the doomed Tower. The architects received 500 guineas—a British coin worth 20 shillings—for their work. Their proposal featured a 90-room hotel within the 1200-foot structure.
2.
Webster and Haigh secured second place with a prize of 250 guineas for their 1300-foot Tower design, envisioned as a bustling hub. The first level was designed to accommodate "Hotels, Restaurants, Residential Flats, Offices, Warehouses, Stores, and venues for Concerts and other events." Additionally, a balcony level was planned to seat 3000 people comfortably.
3.
This design by an American architect featured a scientific observatory alongside leisure facilities.
4.
A Canadian architect designed this modern skyscraper-like structure, claiming it had the "capability of being disassembled into sections—each section repurposable for other uses."
5.
S. Fisher's ambitious plan for a 2000-foot "Monument of Hieroglyphics symbolizing British History during Queen Victoria's Reign" (however that might be interpreted) was likely rejected due to its impractical height—over twice that of the Eiffel Tower—and the futuristic locomotive engine designed to transport visitors on a spiraling track.
6.
This American design avoided futuristic elements or extreme heights but stood out for its stunning portrayal of the "modern Indian Oriental style."
7.
E. Worral and Co. broke away from the typical conical designs, opting for a slender tower featuring a glass-roofed restaurant at its summit.
8.
Thomas V. Trew's design was rich in symbolism, crafted to represent the "Crown," with the foundation symbolizing the "Colonies and British territories."
9.
J. Horton's massive screw-shaped design is undeniably unique—though the inclusion of spiral tramcars gives it more of a proto-roller coaster vibe than a solemn national monument.
10.
J. W. Couchman's submission lacked detailed explanation, but its distinctive form was aptly named "The Century Tower."
11.
This hexagonal design was intended to be encased in glass, evoking the image of a "Crystal Tower."
12.
The architect from Constantinople curiously named his tent-inspired tower after a toxic tree native mainly to Africa.
13.
A. F. Hill's colossal design was inspired by the "Monoliths of Ancient Egypt" and aimed to accommodate international courts, flower and fruit exhibitions, hotels, mansions, and even an observatory perched 1960 feet above the ground.
14.
The unique series of domes shaping this Tower's exterior stands out, but the proposal to use specially "trained mules to transport people up the spiral incline" is arguably its most distinctive feature.
15.
While cost-efficiency likely influenced Watkin's evaluation of the designs, this minimalistic tower—supported by wire ropes to reduce material expenses—probably fell short of his expectations.
16.
Robery Wylie's design draws inspiration from the Eiffel Tower but elevates it with breathtaking, intricate detailing.
17.
Max am Ende's design distinguishes itself with a timeless Gothic architectural style, setting it apart from the other submissions.
18.
Henry Davey's webbed base design was envisioned as an enclosed Winter Garden.
19.
The massive terrestrial globe crowning this design was planned to contain multiple floors dedicated to recreational activities.
20.
Edwin Roundtour's unconventional design aimed to replicate the shape of a tree, reducing wind resistance—a critical concern for the towering height Watkin envisioned.
21.
A design resembling the Eiffel Tower, eerily titled "I See All."
All images provided by Archive.org.
