Anthropologie | Kingston
A simple, subtle but interesting backdrop
We designed Anthropologie Kingston in 2019 as part of an ongoing project, which saw AMD create seven Anthropologie stores across the UK. Whilst our overarching mission was to present the American retailer to British consumers, each store was treated as a unique space and created entirely bespoke. Our brief for this store was to embrace the buildings caricature whilst reflecting the brands core values, creating an interesting backdrop for the Anthropologie shopper.
The building we were working with was originally designed as a chemist for The Boots Group in 1909. A popular design, it’s one of many mock Tudor-style buildings found throughout the country. Due to its prominent location on the market square, the building is somewhat of a landmark in Kingston, with high shopper footfall and on street brand exposure.
Because of its predominant positioning, over the years the space had undergone many different shop fit outs, which we pealed back to create large open spaces in the ground and first floor. Once the nonstructural elements were removed, we were able to bring attention to a striking stained-glass window behind the rear staircase, amongst other original features. The biggest challenge we faced was carrying out extensive repairs, including the removal of huge amounts of asbestos from the building.
“We believe in using as much of the buildings original character as possible, which is a sustainable, cost effective and aesthetically beautiful way to create enhanced retail environments.”
Andrew Martin – Founder, AMD
True to our ‘mend and make beautiful’ ethos, we restored the existing floors, patched up worn windows and exposed original columns to bring the building back to its original glory. Working with the Arts and Crafts style of the building, we used painted coloured tiles, smooth and textured plaster and simple elements of hand painting and craft throughout the space.