A 'GRANDE DAME' OF LONDON RETAIL....
'LIBERTY'.....the 'Grande Dame' of London retail, especially at this time of the year......
Founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, who accepted the lease of half a shop 218a Regent Street, with a loan of £2,000 from his future
father-in- law. Starting with just three members of staff, and selling ornaments, fabric and objets d'art from Japan and the East. Within eighteen months Arthur Liberty had repaid the loan and acquired the second half of the building. As the business grew, neighbouring properties were bought and added. By 1885, Liberty housed the ever increasing demand for carpets and furniture, with the basement named the 'Eastern Bazaar' and soon became the most fashionable and prestigious places to shop in London.
Liberty soon built strong relationships with many English designers, many who practised the artistic styles of 'Art Nouveau' and 'Arts and Crafts'. The company became associated with the 'Art Nouveau' style so much, to the extent that in Italy, Art Nouveau became known as the 'Stile Liberty', after the London shop.
This style has stayed synonymous to Liberty, whose iconic prints can be found on their fabulous array of fabrics, stationary and gifts. The beautiful London store has a wonderful old fashioned style of its own, selling a fascinating array of one off beautiful furniture pieces and objets from around the world, along with luxury brands, fashion and cosmetics.
With its calm and unhurried atmosphere, even at this busy time of year, it is always a pleasure to pop in to, for respite from the mayhem of
Regent Street.
I paid one such visit only the other week when up in town. I am always drawn to their beautiful side entrance, where stunning displays of flowers are on sale.....
This year's amazing installation of a giant satchel and contents, suspended over the atrium between all floors....
The 'Astier de Villatte' concession....my favourite Paris atelier ..... so beautiful and covetable!
Just some of the fabulous decorations for sale in Liberty's legendary Christmas department!
Candles, candles.....spoilt for choice.
Beautiful chocolates and treats on the ground floor entrance to Carnaby Street.....
Just a very few pictures of this beautiful historic store, and so much more to see and take in! If you are in London or will be visiting in the run up to the festive season....do pop in....you won't be disappointed!
Sophia xx
One of my all time favorites in London! I can spend an entire day enjoying their scarves, signature prints, antiques and original artwork. A couple years ago, I purchased an early 20th century oil painting from the Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteHappy December to you all, Sophia!
Loi