The form and finish of the building is very typical of other, contemporary 1930’s and 1950’s buildings, notably the near-by Odeon cinema on Holloway Road and the former Palace Cinema near Finsbury Park designed by R Seifent in 1936. Until 1980, the building was a grand departmental store, competing with Selfridges and the like.

The building of the original structure was interrupted by the outburst of war and was only completed with a newly designed extension in 1955.

The original internal courtyard was closed in in the 60’s, since when it has suffered from the general decline by the whole Nags head area.

But the new Islington Nags Head development should, with the extension and refurbishment of this building, help to change it’s fortunes.

A new bold skin closes the remaining open side to Sussex Way to create a formal internal courtyard with 111 1bed, 2bed & 3bed flats.