Mercantile Architecture in West Africa

Directed by Professor Iain Jackson, the generous research grant from the Leverhulme Trust allows for the appointment of three research assistants – Dr Ewan Harrison, Dr Michele Tenzon and Dr Rixt Woudstra, to explore and understand ‘The Architecture of the United Africa Company – Building Mercantile West Africa’.

The research uses Unilever’s Designated ‘United Africa Company’ (UAC) Archive collection as its primary source. UAC was one of the largest firms operating in West Africa. Whilst formally established in 1929 its constituent firms trace back to the late 18th century and include the Royal Niger Company (operating from the territory that is now Nigeria) and the African and Eastern Trading Company, as well as a whole range of other enterprises.

Their contribution to the built environment shaped transport infrastructure, housing, town planning, as well as industrial development of docklands, warehouses, and factories. They also developed more glamorous projects including high-end department stores incorporating the latest design and retail environments; and shaped the fashions and cultural agenda of the towns through facilities such as cinema halls and community centers. The UAC Archive will help us understand this clearly.

Other archives such as The National Archives (TNA) and Public Records and Archives Department (PRAAD) in Accra will also be consulted. This will be complimented by field work that will focus on Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi-Sekondi, Koforidua; Freetown; Lagos, Ibadan to accurately locate the structures, produce photographic documentation and to assist in the description and analysis of these works.