When I first arrived in London a few years ago, I had no clue what Liberty was. It just looked like a stunning old building, perfect for a photographer like me. Since then, though, it’s become so much more: luxury, fashion, and above all, an iconic piece of London!
Today DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invits you to discover Liberty, the iconic luxury retailer in London.
Liberty, London fashion retailer
Liberty of London was founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty with a £2,000 loan from his future father-in-law. His vision? A place for cutting-edge artistry and self-expression.
Back then, the store mainly sold fabrics, ornaments, and Japanese art objects.
Since its opening, the store has grown to include a wide variety of goods in its offerings and has become one of the most prominent stores in London.
Liberty now offers its distinctive fabric prints and luxury leather goods around the world.
Liberty’s Collections count “an ever-growing range of covetable fashion accessories, clothing, homeware and even food, with many products featuring the Liberty London own prints”.
Walking up and down the store’s historic stairs is a real treat. Each department is so luxurious and beautifully arranged, you’ll want to linger and explore every corner.
What I love most about Liberty is not just the quality of the products, but how the selection truly captures the essence of London. It’s eclectic, extravagant, and full of passion for prints and floral fabrics.
Stepping into Liberty feels like you’re right in the heart of the UK capital – that’s what makes it so special.
The toughest challenge for any business is attracting more customers while preserving its heritage. Liberty London’s success proves it’s been managed brilliantly so far.
The Liberty’s building history
When Arthur Lasenby Liberty started his business at 218a Regent Street with just three staff members, he only had half a shop. Within eighteen months, he repaid the loan and expanded into the other half. As the business grew, he bought neighboring properties to add to the shop.
The Tudor revival building we know today on Great Marlborough Street began construction in 1924, using timber recycled from the ships HMS Hindustan and HMS Impregnable. The building’s frontage even matches the length of the Hindustan. Today, it’s a Grade II* listed building.
It’s said that the weathervane atop the store features a model of the Mayflower, the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America.
If you glance at the clock on Kingly Street, you’ll spot a piece of wisdom for shoppers: “No minute gone comes back again, take heed and see ye do nothing in vain.” Every hour, the clock chimes, and the figures of St. George and the Dragon re-enact their legendary battle. Don’t miss the Four Winds angels – Uriel (south), Michael (east), Raphael (west), and Gabriel (north) – on each corner of the clock.
As I made my way up one of the stairs in the building, I came across a touching wooden memorial. It was dedicated to the staff members who lost their lives during the war.
Christmas at Liberty
Christmas at Liberty always stands out, thanks to its unique and stunning annual decorations. Each year, the store creates a one-of-a-kind festive display that captures attention and draws visitors from all over, making it a must-see destination during the holiday season.
This year especially, I found the interior decorations quite spectacular. The luxury store is currently exhibiting in its central atrium an impressive Christmas window display called “The Tree of Liberty”.
A stunning, vibrant bonsai tree crafted from fabric hangs gracefully from the ceiling of the iconic store, creating a striking and almost surreal visual centerpiece. Its intricate design and bold colours add a touch of whimsy and artistry to the space, making it a true standout in the store’s eclectic atmosphere.
The talented artist behind the sculpture, Billie Achilleos, explained, “We chose lush velvets, sparkling crystals, and high-gloss details to give it a truly luxurious feel.” And indeed, it exudes luxury, but beyond its shimmer, the artistic craftsmanship makes it a must-see!
It’s both fascinating and enchanting! The tree’s story is inspired by a poem by Gabrielle Djanogly, about an All-Seeing Owl’s vision of a magical tree. The result is stunning in both size and charm. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
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I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to explore Liberty London, please share your experience and opinion here!
To go further:
Liberty London: Regent Street, London, W1B 5AH
Liberty Website
Discover more iconic spots in London here!
Me who hates department stores, I have -thanks to this post- spent a great time in this iconic place in London.
Everything is said in the report: extravagance, eclecticism, English taste, preservation of the building, respect for traditions, ….
What more to add? A MERRY CHRISTMAS to all the followers of DYSL!??❄️⛄??
Impressive! I like the story about the building and the colors of the tree. Cheers, Sami
@myriam Thanks a lot Myriam! I wish you too a very Happy Christmas!
@sami Thanks Sami for your nice comments!