Morning:
13°c
M&S shop gets listed building status
Ben Bailey21.09.09
Marks and Spencer's Pantheon store, on London's Oxford Street, was today granted Grade II listed status.
Designed specifically for the British retailer in 1938, it was recognised by English Heritage for its "impressive" classical facade.
Although the building was bombed during the Blitz and much of the lavishly decorated interior was lost, the exterior has been well preserved.
It has four storeys and nine window bays - the five to the right dating from 1938 and the four to the left from 1951.
Culture Minister Barbara Follett, who gave the building its listed status, said: "M&S is one of this country's most well-known and best-loved retailers.
"The classical facade of the Pantheon store provides a beautiful focal point for the lower end of Oxford Street and is the principal surviving part of the shop."
The Pantheon was one of only two branches - the other being in Leeds - where highly-polished black "ebony" granite slabs were used instead of artificial stone - a reflection of the store's importance.
Designed in part by Robert Lutyens, the son of Sir Edwin Lutyens, who had been appointed consultant architect to the company in 1934, it was once the most lavish M&S store and "a shining example" of the company's expansion during the 1920s and 30s.
Emily Gee, of English Heritage, said: "The impressive and decorative front is a fantastic and seductive part of Oxford Street's heritage, and makes an invaluable contribution to London's premier retail destination.
"In economically uncertain times such as these, a retailer that embraces the significance of its heritage shows an understanding of how important the nation's shared past is to us all."
Originally, the Pantheon's interior was fitted with walnut counters and wall panelling, teak doors, oak block floors and coffered ceilings, all of which has now been lost.
A spokesman for Marks and Spencer, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, said: "We're delighted that our Pantheon store has achieved Grade II listed status.
"It is fitting that the store's classic facade is preserved during our 125th birthday celebrations. We're really proud of our cultural heritage and of our truly iconic building on Oxford Street."
Reader views (2)
Splendid news - this fine store-frontage on Oxford Street is a classic of its time - English Heritage and the minister Barabara Follett are to be congratulated! Who cares if only the facade remains - that's the principal feature everyone walking by or on the bus admires - lets have more much loved facades protected in this way!
- Thomas, London
Well now, how many buildings in the past have been refused a listing on the grounds the interiors were not intact enough? Are those now to be revisited and listed?
- Nr, UK
