Barkers

I absolutely love this building.  It is now in multiple retail use but was designed by Bernard George for the retail store 'Barkers' in Kensington High Street.  John Barker & Co owned Barkers, Derry and Toms next door, also built in an Art Deco style but without the vertical staircase towers, and Pontings.  This store was designed in 1937 but due to the war years it was not actually completed until 1958.  By that time the stores had been taken over by House of Fraser who later found that the space was far too big, and it eventually closed in 2006.  The front bears cast reliefs of household goods available in the store as well as a futuristic jet plane, airship and locomotive.  The building won't be to everyone's taste but if you are a fan of the Art Deco style as I am, it is breathtaking.

I hadn't meant to be in London today but W fancied bunking off her course (she'd done all the prep for it) and as she had already bought her train ticket she suggested I came along.  A pleasant mooch around Sloane Square and Kings Road with lunch in Sloane Square, then a brief stop off in Kensington High Street before heading home.

I'm way behind on commenting again - will catch up soon!