Art Deco Holloway: architectural delights of the 1930s

On this guided walk, lasting just under two hours, we'll look at some marvellous 'statement' architecture constructed in the interwar years during a design period that decades later came to be identified as 'Art Deco'.

The modernist architecture of the Jazz Age era with its clean geometric lines, simplicity, functionality and minimal decorative enhancement was designed to impress and inspire – a kind of "understated showing-off" pointing to a positive bright future – a complete change from the fussiness and over-embellishments of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Since the 1870s Holloway became north London's main shopping area, and this continued into the 1920s and 1930s with many businesses updating or rebuilding in the new Moderne style using the innovative products and processes of that time. This means there are some excellent and varied examples of 'Art Deco' style hiding in plain view at almost at every junction.

We'll visit a cross section of buildings, constructed as places of entertainment, commerce and health, as well as manufactories and housing developments.

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• The tour starts near Holloway Odeon and finishes near Holloway Road tube station.
• The specific meeting point will supplied after purchase - please see the FAQs section below.

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Customer feedback: "I really enjoyed your walk. You certainly know your history." / "This was a great walk, in the area I live in. It included buildings I know (including the one I live in!), ones I walk past, and ones I confess have hardly registered on my consciousness. Now I feel I know the area on my doorstep much better, thanks to Jane." / "She weaves her own journey of discovery about the buildings and people who worked or lived there into the story, and her enthusiasm and fascination rubs off on you!" / "Thanks Jane, we will be back for more. BTW, I am fascinated by that neon diver too" / More feedback here

Other Art Deco walking routes in the London area are also available as well as online talks via Zoom.

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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FAQs

Where does this walk start and what if I am running late?

Important – please do not rely on info and QR codes supplied via apps as these often give incorrect information.

The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase

– Scroll down to the Additional Information section where you will also find details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.

– As a back-up, the same information will be sent to you within a reminder email 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

• There is no minimum age
• No charge for children aged 5 or younger.
• All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

• No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Where exactly does this tour start?

• Details of the exact meeting point will written in plain written english on your booking confirmation and ticket which will both be sent via email after purchase. This info will be at the bottom, so keep scrolling down!

What if I am running late?

• Details of the first part of the route will be explained near the bottom of your emailed ticket

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

• No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

• As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
• You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
• Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

• Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
• However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

• The walk will be mostly on standard pavements and should not pose any problems further to those experienced on an average high street.

How can I contact the organiser?

• Email: jane@janeslondon.com
• Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003
• Instagram/Facebook: janeslondonwalks