Unearthing London’s Hidden Art Deco Gems: A Photographer’s Journey
Forget the usual suspects like Battersea Power Station! Swiss photographer Franco Pfaller is taking us on a captivating tour through London's often-overlooked Art Deco treasures in his new book, “Art Deco London.” While he includes the big names, Pfaller shines a spotlight on the ‘underdogs' – garages, laundries, and even fire stations – revealing their surprising histories and stunning designs. These aren't just buildings; they're silent witnesses to decades of London life, each with a story to tell about people, purpose, and remarkable transformations.
Take Arch Acton, for instance. Originally the grand Dominion Cinema in 1937, it's since hosted a bingo hall, a church, and even a climbing centre – a true chameleon of the urban landscape, though sadly the climbing spot has now closed its doors. Then there's the Bluebird Chelsea, which began life in 1924 as Europe's largest motor garage. Fast forward to 1997, and the Conran Group swooped in, transforming it into the chic restaurant and retail hub we know today, a testament to visionary reinvention.
The Lambeth Fire Station, inaugurated by King George VI himself in 1937, served as London's firefighting HQ during WWII, a poignant reminder of its vital role in a city under siege. Meanwhile, Hartington Court apartments in Chiswick literally rose from the ashes, with 22 flats rebuilt in original style after heavy wartime damage. And the challenges continue: Greenwich's Meridian House, once the Town Hall, now faces a tricky path to redevelopment, balancing its Grade II listed status with modern housing needs. Pfaller's lens also captures the artistic contributions of figures like Eric Gill, whose distinctive reliefs adorn buildings like Dorset House and the People's Palace, connecting these diverse structures through shared artistic vision.
Pfaller's book isn't just a collection of pretty pictures; it’s a fascinating journey through London's architectural resilience and adaptability. It celebrates how these unsung Art Deco masterpieces, designed by brilliant minds like Robert Sharp, Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, and T. P. Bennett, have continuously evolved, proving that true beauty and history can be found in the most unexpected places. It’s a compelling reminder that sometimes, the greatest gems are the ones you least expect.
Each art deco london attraction reveals intricate geometric patterns and luxurious materials that make these architectural treasures perfect subjects for urban photography.
Many of these stunning Art Deco buildings originally housed government jobs art deco offices and administrative departments during London's interwar building boom.
When you visit London art deco buildings, you'll discover architectural treasures that most tourists overlook in their rush to see famous landmarks.
While many London museums art deco collections showcase famous pieces, the city's streets hide equally stunning architectural treasures waiting to be discovered.
While studying in london soho, I discovered that this vibrant district houses some of the city's most overlooked Art Deco architectural treasures.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/art-and-photography/art-deco-lesser-known)
