Anciens grands bureaux de la compagnie des mines de Lens, aujourd'hui Faculté des Sciences Jean Perrin (Université d'Artois)

English translation

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History

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the Compagnie des mines de Lens became the most productive company in the mining basin of the north. The evolution of the company's major offices testifies to this growing success. First installed in an old coaching inn, the administrative services later moved to new buildings constructed not far from pit no. 1. In 1907, they were raised by one storey. In 1916, the buildings were destroyed by a shell. Reconstruction is initiated at the end of the war. Temporary offices are set up for the administrative headquarters. The design of the plans for the new buildings is entrusted to Louis-Marie Cordonnier. Work begins in 1928. The offices open in 1930. At that date, still to be realized are the general director's office, the reception halls and the board room. For the furnishings, the architects called upon the Majorelle workshop of Nancy and regional craft enterprises which display an art deco style. A painting of an active pit realized in 1931 by painter Tellier occupies the space above the fireplace of the reception hall. From 1990 onwards, the premises are transformed by architect Henri Kupzyk. The interior arrangements are changed. Most of the floor tiles and the mosaic decorations in corridor panels disappear.