The architectural and structural works of S.A. John Cockerill (1842-1955): balancing between craftmanship and mass production

In the first decade of the twentieth century, the Belgian iron, steel and manufacturing company Société Anonyme John Cockerill published a catalog on the occasion of the World Expositions in Liège (1905) and Brussels (1910), depicting metal buildings and bridges for Belgium and abroad. Although such catalogs are not exceptional, this catalog is valuable to get a better view on the architectural and structural works of the pioneering company, that was better known for the production of industrial, railway, naval and military equipment. This paper sheds light on the lesser-known accomplishments of S.A. John Cockerill within the construction industry by situating the aforementioned catalog and the featured structures within the broader body of work spanning the years 1842–1955. Through an examination of the company’s publications, the company archive and contemporary journals, the paper studies how the company positions itself in relation to both national and international competitors.