Shopping as art

Unless you are very inquisitive, you won't find these two ladies adoring the commercial imperative. They are part of what little is left from the glory that once was Whiteley's in Queensway. A classic rags to riches story that is so much part of the possibility that is London - read about it here. These days, it's just another shopping mall. Here's a few of their "Interesting Facts",

• Whiteleys was originally the first and biggest department store in the country. It pioneered mail-order and included a theatre and a golf-course on the roof.


• Eliza Dolittle is sent "to Whiteleys to be attired" in Pygmalion (My Fair Lady).


• Adolf Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe not to bomb Whiteleys as he wanted it as his headquarters once he'd invaded Britain.


• William Whiteley was alleged to have burned the original building down to claim the insurance money. He was later assassinated in his office by a man claiming to be his illegitimate son demanding his inheritance.

See where on London Daily Photo Map