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Liberty’s Clock and Historic Tudor Revival Store in Carnaby, London

Discover Liberty’s Clock, a charming emblem on London’s iconic Tudor revival department store blending historic craftsmanship with vibrant design heritage.

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Liberty’s Clock adorns the iconic Tudor revival Liberty department store located on Kingly Street in Carnaby, London. Founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, the store is renowned for its distinctive mock-Tudor architecture crafted from timbers of historic Royal Navy ships and its rich heritage in luxury fabrics, fashion, and design. The clock is a charming feature that complements the building’s artistic and cultural significance in London’s shopping scene.

A brief summary to Liberty’s clock

  • Kingly St, London, Carnaby, W1F 7AD, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays or early mornings to enjoy a quieter experience and better photo opportunities of Liberty’s Clock and façade.
  • Explore Liberty’s Christmas Shop on the fourth floor during the festive season for unique luxury decorations and gifts.
  • Take time to appreciate the Tudor revival architecture and look for details crafted from historic Royal Navy ship timbers.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Carnaby Street to experience London’s vibrant shopping and cultural scene.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the London Underground to Oxford Circus station, served by the Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to Liberty’s Clock on Kingly Street. Trains run frequently every 2-5 minutes. No additional fare beyond standard zone 1 pricing applies.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes stop near Carnaby Street, including routes 12, 88, and 453. From the bus stop, it’s a short 3-5 minute walk to Liberty. Bus fares start at £1.75 with contactless payment, and buses run every 10-15 minutes.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £8-£15. Note that traffic congestion and limited parking in the area may affect travel times.

Liberty’s clock location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Liberty’s clock

A Visionary Beginning and Legacy of Arthur Liberty

Founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, Liberty began as a small shop on Regent Street specializing in imported fabrics, ornaments, and objets d’art from Asia and the Middle East. Arthur Liberty, inspired by the exoticism of Japanese and Oriental designs, sought to create an emporium that would bring luxurious and unique goods to Londoners. His vision was to blend craftsmanship with avant-garde fashion and design, establishing a brand that would influence style far beyond its origins. Liberty’s early success led to expansion and the creation of its own textile prints, which became synonymous with high-quality and artistic fabric design.

The Tudor Revival Store and Its Architectural Significance

The current Liberty flagship store on Great Marlborough Street, near Carnaby, was completed in 1924. Designed by Edwin T. Hall and his son, Edwin S. Hall, the building is a celebrated example of Tudor revival architecture. Its construction famously used recycled timbers from two Royal Navy ships, HMS Hindustan and HMS Impregnable, lending the store a distinctive historic character. The façade and interior evoke a sense of an English craftsman’s guild hall, reflecting Arthur Liberty’s admiration for the Tudor era’s artisan spirit. This Grade II* listed building remains a landmark in London, blending heritage with a vibrant retail experience.

Liberty’s Clock: A Charming Feature with Cultural Roots

Liberty’s Clock is an iconic ornamental feature situated on the exterior of the Liberty store on Kingly Street in Carnaby. It embodies the store’s blend of history and whimsy, often drawing attention from visitors exploring the vibrant Carnaby area. The clock is part of the store’s broader narrative of craftsmanship and storytelling, complementing the Tudor-style architecture and the rich heritage of the Liberty brand. Nearby, a pedestrian bridge connects the original Regent Street premises to the current store, symbolizing the connection between past and present.

A Destination for Design, Fashion, and Festivity

Beyond its architectural allure, Liberty is famed for its curated collections of designer fashion, homewares, fragrances, and especially its signature floral and artistic fabric prints. The store continues to innovate through collaborations with contemporary designers while honoring its historic roots. During the festive season, Liberty’s Christmas Shop on the fourth floor offers a magical experience with luxury decorations and bespoke gifts, drawing visitors into a world of seasonal wonder. The store’s atmosphere is both elegant and lively, making it a cultural hub in London’s shopping landscape.

Liberty’s Role in London’s Cultural and Retail Scene

Situated between Carnaby Street and Regent Street, Liberty acts as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern design trends. It has played a pivotal role in shaping London’s fashion and design culture for over 140 years. The store’s commitment to quality, artistry, and unique product offerings has made it a favored destination for artistic shoppers and those seeking exclusive luxury goods. Liberty’s presence enriches the Carnaby neighborhood, contributing to its reputation as a vibrant and historic shopping district.

Continuity and Innovation in a Historic Setting

Despite changes in retail over the decades, Liberty has maintained its core philosophy of offering rare and carefully curated goods. The building and its clock stand as symbols of this enduring legacy. Through continuous reinvention and design collaborations, Liberty remains a relevant and aspirational destination, celebrating both its heritage and its role in contemporary fashion and design.

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