The Most Stunning Art Deco Buildings in London | United Kingdom

London is not a city particularly known for its art deco buildings, but it still does possess some fine examples. This article looks at a few of the best that are scattered around this fascinating city’s streets.

Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is made up of two power stations, named A and B, and remains the largest brick building in the Europe. The first power station was built just before world war two, and the second power station became operational in 1953. Until 1983, Battersea Power Station was used as a coal-fired generator of electricity. It is a Grade II listed building and was designed by architects Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and Theo J. Halliday. Art deco fittings in the control room of A station displayed the influence of Halliday. It was recently purchased and will be redeveloped as a multi-purpose housing complex – although a mandate remains that the facade and any listed part must be maintained.

Photo of Battersea Power Station, London, UK by Aurelien Guichard

BBC Broadcasting House

Broadcasting House is the home of the world renowned British Broadcasting Corporation. Designed in an art deco style, work on the building began in 1932, and was completed in two years. The building’s exterior was designed by George Val Myer, with help from M T Tudsbery, who was a civil engineer employed by the BBC. The interior of the building was designed by Raymond McGrath. Currently, Broadcasting House is being renovated and is home to Radio 3 and Radio 4.

Photo of BBC Broadcasting House, London, UK by keriluamox

Claridge’s

Claridge’s is one of the most famous luxury hotels in London, and opened in 1812, when it was originally called Mivart’s Hotel. The Claridge family purchased the hotel in 1854. A visit by Queen Victoria boosted Claridge’s reputation as an elite hotel, and it has had entertained an exclusive host of guests down the years. The original Claridge’s hotel was replaced in 1898 by George Trollope & Sons. Claridge’s was to become recognised as a fine example of art deco style, when Basil Ionides re-designed both the hotel’s restaurant and some of its suites in the 1920s.

Photo of Claridge’s, London, UK by Ewan Munro

OXO Tower

Built in the late 1800s, the Oxo Tower’s origins were as a power station. It obtained its current name after being bought by the manufacturers of the Oxo cube, the Liebig Extract of Meat Company. The original building was radically redesigned by Albert Moore in the late 1920s, when, notably, the word ‘Oxo’ was spelt out by the two circles and cross design. It was designed in a way that reflected the popularity of art deco at the time. It was in the 1990s that the Oxo Tower became used as a multi-purpose building that included shops, a restaurant, space for exhibitions, and even housing.

Photo of OXO Tower, London, UK by ChrisO

Royal Institute of British Architects

Home of the Royal Institute of British Architects, architect George Grey Wornum designed the Portland Place art deco building, which was opened in 1934 by King George V and Queen Mary. Wornum’s design was deemed to have been the best out of 3,600 submitted entries. It is a Grade II listed building, and the general public have access to the library and exhibition galleries. Also included in the building is a restaurant, cafe and bookshop. For any fan of Art Deco style, this building is not to be missed.

Photo of Royal Institute of British Architects, London, UK by Oxyman

Wandering the streets of London is a great way to experience the myriad of styles dotted all over the city – and Art Deco lovers have plenty to feast their eyes on.

Mike is a freelance writer who loves exploring the architecural feats of the great city of London. Mike is currently writing on behalf of Claridge’s hotel – a world famous luxury hotel who also offer private dining.

Tags: art deco style, aurelien, british broadcasting corporation, civil engineer, elite hotel, facade, george trollope, guichard, j halliday, luxury hotels in london, m claridge, myer, queen victoria, sir giles gilbert scott, style work, world war two

Category: Technical monuments, Technical Monuments