London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Nothing is more enchanting than leaving the crowd on Regent st to come face to face with the black and white facade of Liberty’s.

Here you will find the utmost elegance. Splendid fabric sold by meter or declined in dresses and shirts, bags, umbrellas, wellies, bracelets… Floors also offer golden names such as Manolo Blahnik, Hermes… There is always a little something you just cannot live without , which will empty your bank account  but fill your eyes with stars.

I love to stroll through the shop for its architecture, the sculptures in the stairs (I am particularly in love with a tiny frog), the wooden interiors of the lift, the timeless atmosphere far from modernism and electric lights too bright, too white, too agressive…

Funded in 1875, the shop sold exotic wares from the British colonies. In just 18 months, it proved so successful the owner,, Arthur Liberty could pay back the bank. He decides to extend the shop again and again. It is only in the 1920ies, though, that it will get its amazing Tudor decoration. Did you know the building has a marine theme? The wood of two war ships was used for the structure. And look at the weather-vane – the boat actually is a copy of the famous Mayflower:

A frieze in the attic depict the goods being shipped from the Orient to Great-Britain, you will find gallions on the ballustrades… Don’t forget to look closely at the stained windows – you might find gems like this one!

Liberty
Regent Street
London W1B 5AH

Pssst: another ship secret this way…

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