The Barkers of Kensington Building, 63/97 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SE

Illustration by Andrew Cadey

The Barkers of Kensington building, located at 63–97 Kensington High Street, stands as one of London’s most prominent and scale-defining examples of commercial Art Deco architecture. Designed in the late 1930s by chief in-house architect Bernard George, the landmark Grade II-listed edifice reflects the golden age of the British department store, balancing monumental civic scale with intricate, streamlined decorative detailing.

Designed by chief in-house architect Bernard George, construction began on the monumental structure in 1937. The project faced an extended, fragmented timeline due to the onset of the Second World War, ultimately reaching completion in 1958.

In the contemporary era, the building stands as a masterclass in adaptive reuse. While the traditional department store model has evolved, the structural flexibility inherent in Bernard George's original open-plan, steel-frame design has allowed the building to seamlessly transition into a multi-use hub. Today, it integrates modern corporate office spaces, contemporary retail, and community amenities without compromising its landmark historic fabric. The Barker building remains an enduring testament to the era when commercial architecture was executed with the civic pride, permanence and detail of a public monument.

Limited first edition print run of 75