Exploring Liberty London

Liberty London is a department store established nearly 150 years ago in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty. The faux half-timbered flagship store (built from the teak of two warships) opened in 1924, seven years after Liberty’s death. Inspired by a grand manor-house, the Tudor-revivalist building is laid out with three atriums surrounded by smaller homey rooms, some even with fireplaces. The building itself is an iconic landmark in London’s West End, with the interior featuring craftsmanship such as stained glass, wood-carved panels and columns, ornate chandeliers, and handsome wooden staircases— much of which was fabricated in Liberty’s own workshops.

I was able to visit Liberty during a solo trip to London in 2018, and a big reason I wanted to was because of their famous floral fabrics. Along with the department store, Liberty is notable for manufacturing its own line of textiles from silk, Tana Lawn cotton, and furnishing-weight fabrics. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, designs of the Far East, and traditional English floral patterns, the ditsy botanicals have a timeless look that have inspired designers and fashion throughout the generations.

Besides apparel for women, men and children, Liberty houses beauty products, furniture, and home decor. The store stocks high end fashion labels, as well as emerging designers. Liberty prides itself on its emerging talent initiative, where it has championed up and coming talent through increased exposure, mentorships, and funding for new collections.

If you are ever able to visit the store in London, Liberty is a unique and iconic resource for finding design inspiration and trends. Below are a few images of the beautiful prints and details I saw during my visit!