DESTINATION STORE HEAL’S

Six fascinating facts you need to know about this historic design superstore

In 1810, the year that Heal’s first opened its doors, several other momentous things happened: Jane Austen wrote Sense & Sensibility and Beethoven composed Für Elise.

In the 19th century, Heal’s was one of the first retailers to print advertisements in the newly popular serialised novels of the era (among them Charles Dickens Bleak House, left). Its in-store Mansard Gallery, opened in 1917, was the first UK space to exhibit Modigliani’s art.

Sitting on a window ledge on the Tottenham Court Road store’s 1916 spiral staircase is a large bronze cat by French sculptor Chassagne. Sir Ambrose Heal bought it in 1925 and loved it so much that he refused all offers to sell it; it has remained on the staircase ever since.

Heal’s offers a Styling Service to help you get your interior just as you want it to be, and will make bespoke pieces to commission – including made-to-measure wardrobes.

Today, the store is known for its collaborations with up-and-coming designers, notably through its fantastic ‘Heal’s Discovers’ range. New pieces this season include Tim Summers’ ‘Flip’ desk (right), a solid oak design that rethinks the traditional bureau for modern home workers.

The Heal’s website has several handy guides that are invaluable for design fans – among them tips for what to consider when buying lighting, sofas and rugs, plus care guides for leather and marble.