The History Of 55 - 59 Hanbury Street

ATIKA is located in one of the oldest districts of London, the East-end, centre of immigration for hundreds of years. With this immigration often comes ambition, followed closely by creativity. 

A fantastic example of this was Harry Epstein ltd, which was a world-famous manufacture of bespoke furniture who occupied the site at 55-59 Hanbury street where ATIKA now stands for most of the 20th century. Harry and later his sons Harry and Lou were known as some of the finest cabinet makers in Europe. When researching this article my interest was caught by the work of the sons, who with apparent inspiration from the Paris Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts expo of 1925 created some of the first and as time went on most desirable Art Deco furniture. They were very much leaders in the English Deco style although the style was known as Jazz Modern at the time as the name Art Deco was coined much later.

It's hard to find information these days but I have been told by ex-employees that customers included Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, although I believe they preferred the reproduction fine French furniture to the deco. Not surprising as the Deco style was much more mainstream in the USA and therefore did not have the same status.

I find it inspirational that such skill and passion thrived in the same building that I am inspired and try to be skilful in. I don’t know if there is spirit in the building but I hope so; it has always felt like a special place. 

Words: John Howlin