Heal's Cat

And I couldn't leave Heal's without showing you the Heal's Cat, who sits on the staircase. Ambrose Heal refused all offers to sell it, have a look as you go up and you'll see it's head polished smooth by people giving it a stroke as they pass. Hope you've enjoyed the visit to Heals, years ago Tottenham Court Road was the centre for furniture sales in London, these days it is electronics. Some historic photos of Heals are here.


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Heal's Staircase

In Heals proper, nice furniture and nice things rub shoulders with nice prices. It certainly should be on a list of places to visit - of not for the things then at least for this staircase.


I'm away for a few weeks, daily photos will continue to appear courtesy of Blogger's automated feature - as long as it is working.

Habitat

Heals used to be an extraordinary store, with cutting edge design and a manufacturer that became a byword for quality. They were taken over by Conran in 1983, who transformed half into Habitat - bringing affordable style to the UK before we'd heard of Ikea. Of course, they quality of some of the stuff led to the nickname "Shabby Tat".


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Heal's Curved Windows

The Heal's Building in Tottenham Court Road, has quite a few items of interest, today the photo is of the curved window frontage from the 30's that is unlike anything I have seen anywhere. These days, they are only on half the building, I seem to remember that the other half got ripped out because they occupied too much showroom space, and the removal of the second half was blocked by the council as they are listed. Not sure how much truth there is in that, though.


I'm away for a few weeks, daily photos will continue to appear courtesy of Blogger's automated feature - as long as it is working.

London Does Dingy

I never cease to be amazed how London can change character as you move around a corner. This alleyway is just behind Denmark Street - Tin Pan Alley and by virtue of the tattoo parlour and the music studios, has a completely different feel from the bustling streets surrounding it. Try it, you'll see what I mean. The view from Google Streetview is .here

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Not New Orleans

This architectural gem from teh turn of the 19th Century is in stark contrast to the modern monstrosities that flank both sides of Tottenham Court. If you haven't noticed it before, do take the time to have a look next time you're passing. Go on - you know you want to hear it - click here. What, more? OK.

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