Michelin Seeks Return of Historic Windows

Anyone possessing an eye-catching Michelin stained glass window and a guilty conscience can unburden themselves of both during an amnesty declared by the tyre maker. The windows in question were originally a feature of Michelin House, located on London’s Fulham Road. They’ve been missing for several decades now, yet with the building’s centenary fast approaching, Michelin has decided to “give people an opportunity to return the panels – or parts of them – without any fear or worries.”

“We’d like them back now please,” stated Michelin upon announcing the amnesty. At present, high-quality reproductions based on photos and pictures stand in for the three windows; the originals remained a prominent part of the building until 1939 when they were removed for safekeeping and stored in a basement at the company’s Stoke-on-Trent factory. Although the Luftwaffe’s bombs failed to destroy the distinctive building’s splendour and the windows also came through the war safely, they were not re-installed after VE Day and disappeared from Michelin’s radar some time in the 1960s.

Next January, Michelin House will celebrate its hundredth birthday – hopefully with its stained glass windows back where they rightfully belong. Any information regarding their whereabouts can be reported to Michelin’s confidential hotline on 01782 402118.