The genius of Liberty?
I enjoy my time with you…
To sit, to pause, to have that special spot. A reassuring comfort zone that you do not need to come out of but go into, to make your own for just a moment in the day, however long or short. Welcome home. How best to say I love and appreciate you? Introduce a beautiful arrangement of fresh cut flowers? A delightful, uplifting fragrance? Well yes, both of those are undoubtedly beautiful and meaningful gestures but how can you say, “I love you, I enjoy my time with you and I sure know that the feeling is mutual?” Express and celebrate the comfort that surrounds you in your space as the seasons change. Sink into your favourite chair with a good book and a warming drink. Nice…time to smile. All that’s needed is a perfectly plump cushion to make that mutual expression of “I’m loving this moment, my moment here right now.”
Fuelled with a sense of curiosity, I was eager to visit somewhere that understands and hopefully speaks the same language that’s felt in my heart.
Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Liberty of London stands with a good posture; tall and proud. It rubs shoulders with the London Palladium, Hamleys toy store and sits with confidence at the top of London’s culturally buzzing Carnaby Street.
…entering a plush museum…
It’s a weekday late morning as I step inside and it’s as though I have entered an intimate corner of a grand stately home. The atmosphere is very inviting with delicious chutney’s, teas and coffees beautifully on display, along with delicate perfumed scents. I proceed to weave my way around, walking across the wooden floorboards, taking a brief glance at the neatly arranged scarves before reaching the lift to head to the 4th floor where there is the ‘home’ department. At this point it feels like simultaneously entering a plush museum and your great aunts front room where everything is carefully curated and decorated with impeccable taste. You’re presented with luxury – the cushions, the throws, rugs and more.
The space welcomes you to feast your eyes, take a seat and feel the qualities of style and comfort that surrounds you; to enjoy the moment. There isn’t that ‘tide of humanity’ that one would generally associate within a department store. The idea of shopping appears to me more of an after thought but that I guess is the success and genius of Liberty.
What are your thoughts about Liberty? A place of inspiration and temptation? A piece of fantasy or reality?
A great reminder of my visits to Liberty. I am inspired to plan a visit to Liberty and the West End.
Liberty appears to be holding on to its charm. I think the rest of the West End is holding its breath…or on the road to taking its last. Let’s wait and see – maybe there’s a chance it could be resuscitated and rescued? Thanks for your comments.