Working with Liberty’s Creative Director Tamara Salman’s vision for Liberty of London, Universal has looked to the spirit of the store at the turn of the 20th Century while giving it a contemporary twist, embracing the traditional core values of the brand in a modern way. Thus patterns and textures synonymous with Liberty – such as the iconic Ianthe print or the Tudor rose carvings found throughout the building – form key starting points while modern techniques such as three-dimensional screens created from liquid metal and high sheen surfaces combine to create a very contemporary, luxe environment.

As customers enter the atrium, the boutique’s front entrance glass vitrines set the tone and define a new brand specific internal shopfront. A striking six metre long glass scarf display creates a central focal point and a modern reference to the traditional idea of a service counter. Behind this unit a three metre high luminescent glass wall adds dramatic impact and draws the eye up into the atrium.

The play on transparency and reflection continues with the use of smoked charcoal glass to both define and break up the space, while multi-leveled mirror and timber units allow for the curation of the collection. American walnut display trays seem to float above mirror cubes reflecting the hand-carved detail on the underside. These patterns are simplified and modernised versions of detailing found on panelling throughout the Tudor building, which have also inspired the carved Peacock blue gloss treasure box display cases.

This sensitive refurbishment - which has been carried out with the approval of English Heritage - offers a space which clearly articulates the modernity and sophistication of the Liberty of London brand while also celebrating its design heritage.