Ladymere House, Kensington, London
Architect
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Sir Reginald Blomfield
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Date Built
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1924
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Location
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24 - 40
Kensington High Street
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Description
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The history of this
building on the north side of Kensington High
Street is revealed by its proximity to the
prominent art deco building not far away on the
opposite side of the road. That building
displays the name Barkers prominently on its
stair-tower and for a period of time this
building at 24-40 Kensington High Street was
home to Barker's furniture department.
John Barker & Co Limited was something of a
retail giant. It was incorporated in 1894
and in the early years of the 20th century it
owned thirty-three shops, including sixteen
fronting Kensington High Street.
The store itself comprised sixty-four
departments, selling goods of all kinds
including clothes, books, stationery, fancy
goods, furniture, carpets, china and glass,
groceries, wine and spirits and cigars. The
store also had departments for drug-dispensing,
building, plumbing and refreshment catering. The
business suffered damaging fires on more than
one occasion and after one of the sought
temporary premises on the north side of the
street. In 1924 work started on this
building. know as the Ladymere Store, to
accommodate their furniture department.
The north side of Kensington High Street at this
point is Crown land with Kensington Palace
nearby. It is suggested that it may have
been Royal influence that led to the appointment
of Sir Reginald Blomfield as the architect to
dress up the original design and envelope it in
the "solemnity of Portland Stone."
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