Soho is not an area famed for its architecture. If you take the time to explore it, you will find it is largely made up of unremarkable terraced shops and houses with the occasional theatre, or massage parlour breaking up the scene. However, there is one building that stands out above the rest, not just for its extraordinary aesthetic, but for the eye catching wonders you will find within. Liberty London stands as an enduring symbol of elegance, heritage, and unique architectural charm. This iconic department store has captivated shoppers and tourists alike for nearly 150 years, so let’s take a journey through the rich history and architectural splendour of Liberty London.
Who founded Liberty London?
Arthur Lasenby Liberty was born in 1843, the son of a draper. After completing his apprenticeship, but failing to become a partner in the business he was working for, he borrowed £2,000 off his father-in-law and, with just three members of staff, opened his own store on Regent Street, Liberty & Co. His ambition was to create an emporium, stocking imports from Asia and the Middle East that would delight his customers. And it worked! His loan was repaid within two years and his store quickly gained an impressive reputation for selling only the finest fabrics and ornaments. His unerring commitment to quality as well as originality set Liberty apart from his competitors, the ultimate shopping destination for those looking for luxury and exclusivity. So well renowned was the store for its role in bringing the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th Century to a wider audience, that in Italy it is known as ‘Liberty Style’
Who built Liberty London?
Soon, Liberty had outgrown his Regent Street site and a plot of land just north of Carnaby Street was chosen to be the location of his new store. Father and son duo, Edwin T Hall and Edwin S Hall, were paid £198,000 (close to £15 million in today’s money), to construct a new building that would evoke the grandeur and romance of an Elizabethan manor, which they achieved by salvaging two decommissioned Royal Navy ships, HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan. The timber was repurposed to create the store's now iconic faux-Tudor façade, complete with intricate wood carvings, leaded windows, and charming gables.
The interior of the building is equally impressive, featuring three light-filled atriums, each adorned with a stunning glass roof and surrounded by balconied galleries, creating an open and inviting space, which radiates elegance.
Sadly, Arthur Liberty never lived to see his masterpiece completed, but generations of Londoners and tourists the world over can thank him for his visionary ideas.
What are Liberty Fabrics?
Today, Liberty London continues to be a beloved British institution, stocking globally recognised luxury brands, as well as working closely with new, innovative creatives, to curate an eclectic mix of fashion, beauty, homeware, and accessories, but its most iconic products have always been their Liberty Fabrics. After their early boom selling imported fabrics, Arthur Liberty began to print and dye his own designs. Today there are more than 50,000 unique Liberty designs, which can be fashioned to adorn everything from garments to home furnishings. The most famous of these designs tended to focus around abstract paisley and floral patterns.
Should I visit Liberty London?
For tourists visiting London, Liberty is a must-visit destination, so whether you’re a shopper looking to splash the cash on the latest fashion, or just keen to bask in the store’s unique charm, Liberty London is unlike anywhere else in the Capital. If you would like to visit with one of our guides, check out our Free Soho Tour or alternatively, you can find all of our Free London Walking Tours here.
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