In centuries past thousands of people thronged to Oxford Street to watch executions – now London's most famous destination draws millions of visitors who spend millions of pounds in Europe's busiest shopping thoroughfare. This walk uses the built environment to chart the history of retail and witness its future already in action.

The Annunciation is a dramatic Gothic Revival building tucked behind the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street. The Grade II* church was built by Sir Walter Tapper in 1912-1914.

Walter Tapper, 1912

Hinde Street Methodist Church was constructed in 1887 with a grand pillared portico, spire and classical interior which remains largely unaltered. The entrance foyer was remodelled in 2014 to give the church a more welcoming appearance.

James Weir, 1887

An exquisite three-bedroom apartment is situated on the second floor of a handsome Edwardian block to the east of Marylebone. Redesigned by architect William Smalley, named Disco Flat by him as well related to the fabulous illuminated corridor. I purchased this property a year ago, had changed the interior of it step by step. I would call it a masterclass in the transformative power of material.

William Smalley, 2019

Contemporary Applied Arts, is London’s original multi-disciplinary applied arts gallery. We are a registered charity and a membership organisation with more than two hundred leading British-based artists working in ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, metal, paper, textiles and wood. We view this interdisciplinary approach as a harmonious dialogue between materials & techniques.

A cleverly integrated mixture of architectural styles and periods, incorporating a late 1720s house (later home to Herbert Henry Asquith) and the purpose-built College of Nursing (1926). Access to main building via guided tour only.

Sir Edwin Cooper, 1922