The Hoover Building, completed in 1933 on London’s Western Avenue, is a dazzling example of Art Deco’s ability to transform the utilitarian into the extraordinary. Designed by Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, this former vacuum cleaner factory blends industrial functionality with glamorous aesthetics. Its vibrant facade and innovative features have earned it Grade II* listed status, as noted by Historic England.
The exterior is a visual feast, with a cream-colored facade accented by green and red ceramic tiles that create a cinematic presence. The streamlined curves, vertical fins, and geometric patterns are quintessential Art Deco, evoking the optimism of the machine age. The main entrance, framed by a bold zig-zag motif and a decorative clock, exudes grandeur, while extensive Crittall windows flood the interior with light, reflecting the era’s embrace of modernity. These elements, highlighted in Historic England’s archives, inspire our brand’s focus on designs that combine form and function with flair.
Inside, the original factory spaces featured sleek detailing, including polished chrome fittings and terrazzo flooring, embodying Art Deco’s love for luxurious materials. Now repurposed as apartments and retail spaces, the building retains its iconic charm, with preserved features like ornate plasterwork and geometric staircases. Its history is compelling: surviving World War II bombings and a demolition threat in the 1980s, it was saved by public outcry, underscoring its cultural significance. The building’s bold colors and dynamic forms echo the confidence of the 1930s, inspiring our brand to create pieces that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Hoover Building’s ability to make an industrial structure glamorous is its defining trait. Its vibrant tiles and sleek lines, accessible near Perivale Underground Station, make it a must-see for Art Deco enthusiasts. For our brand, it’s a reminder that beauty can thrive in unexpected places, driving our vision to craft designs that elevate everyday life.
