Heal’s iconic store on Tottenham Court Road has become synonymous with famous staircases. Most notable of which is the spiralling staircase by architect Cecil Brewer, cousin of Sir Ambrose Heal, installed in 1916.
With a design echoed by a helix of lights, added after the Second World War and updated in 2013 with a bespoke Bocci chandelier, it’s hardly surprising that it’s become one of the most-photographed staircases in London. Indeed, people come from around the world to admire and ascend.
Why not drop in and say ‘hello’ to the Heal’s Cat? Legend has it that if you rub its paw it grants your wishes.
Now, British talent Matthew Hilton and his studio team, have designed their first staircase for the launch of the newly-extended Heal’s flagship. To accommodate even more world-class design, from exciting additions like Zanotta and Carpe Diem Beds to favourites such as Knoll and Vitra, the extension back into the Mid-Century building heralds a renaissance of the historic store that remains much loved within the design community.
Matthew says: “Creatively, it was a pretty open brief, apart from it needing to be something special and Heal’s-specific, while bearing in mind the other two staircases in the building. Plus, it was required that it was visible from the street, and offered flexibility with a choice of entrances and exits. Practically, a few things were already set in stone, such as the distance between the floors.”
Working alongside studio designers David Britton and Harry Hasson, Matthew received the brief from Heal’s CEO Hamish Mansbridge, and the team wasted no time in exploring ideas at his studio. Matthew had never designed a staircase before, but drew on his wealth of experience in creating everything from furniture to lighting to apply the same process and expertise, finally massaging initial concepts into firmer routes overlaid with the addition of structural and safety requirements.
“We initially proposed six quite different ideas,” he reflects, “which were finally narrowed down to just two or three. We then combined a mix of these into a single concept that was universally liked. In a way, because we didn’t know all the regulations that were required of a staircase initially, it freed us up to openly explore – without being crazy, of course – then apply the restrictions afterwards.”
The regulations were strict, from dictating how things were joined to the proportions of the design and the choices of the materials, so Matthew and his team collaborated with planners and engineers at every step.
He adds: “We retained the spirit of the idea throughout, though, as you need to hang onto the aesthetics to keep it special.”
Made from predominantly steel and timber, the final design, which Matthew describes as “a cross-shaped staircase”, is inspired more by the modern extension than the original building or other staircases, drawing on Arts and Crafts and Mid-Century styles.
Four interconnected staircases deliver on the brief for flexibility – providing numerous ways to get on and off – while opening-up the space and making the most of redundant areas.
“We wanted to keep the structure as light as possible,” Matthew explains, “so we created a cantilevered staircase coming off two central structural pillars with louvres that you can see through. There’s a softness to it, featuring curves wherever we could put them, while hidden details, such as handrails built into the lozenge pillars, gradually reveal themselves as it’s being explored. It’s a quiet and restrained design with no superfluous details – everything has a purpose.”
Matthew concludes: “I was excited and honoured to be asked to design the staircase by Heal’s – it was such a great thing to do. Once we got stuck in, it was pretty much like designing furniture, only bigger. I’m now considering designing a staircase for my own house refurb!”
Visit Heal’s Tottenham Court Road to explore The Matthew Hilton Staircase for yourself and uncover its beautiful details hiding in plain sight.
For more than 200 years, Heal’s on Tottenham Court Road has been home to exquisite design – the jewel in the crown of London’s iconic furniture street.
Now, after much anticipation, we’ve extended our flagship store to bring you even more of everything you’ve come to know and love of Heal’s across furniture, lighting, accessories, textiles and so much more.
By extending back into the Mid-Century building that wraps around the corner from Tottenham Court Road on Torrington Place – complete with extended façade and a new entrance – we’ve created significantly more space on the ground floor and in the basement to house our expanded but still tightly edited collections.
The impact at street level is showstopping, to say the least, reinvigorating this historic stretch of central London.
Across both curated designers and Heal’s creations, the reimagined showroom remains committed to superior craftsmanship and enduring products – which, in turn, make for investment pieces and future heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Complementing renowned designers – from Knoll to Ligne Roset and Vitra – are newcomers such as Gubi, and Carpe Diem Beds, amongst others; while there’s now a whole area dedicated to helping you sleep better that houses our premium range of Heal’s beds, bedroom furniture and mattresses, as well as luxury offerings from chosen brands.
Whether organic or natural, there’s a style for every kind of sleeper, all combining our expert heritage with modern technology. Specialists are even on-hand to help shoppers make the right choice. It's a fitting tribute to our historical beginnings as the first retailer to introduce French-style feather-filled mattresses back in 1810.
Lastly, there’s a new space exclusively for trade customers to help them design beautiful schemes for their clients, whether residential or commercial. Zoned via floor-to-ceiling glass screens, expert consultants offer support at every step of the creative process, all within the privacy and comfort of the cordoned-off space.
Our Interior Planning Service can also be found nearby, bringing together all the finishing touches to shape your space, whether you're renovating your home or refreshing a room.
A demonstration of our commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail, with so much to experience and inspire, the new Heal’s is the long-awaited renaissance of the historic store that remains much-loved around the world.
The flags are aplenty (there are now a total of 18) for maximum kerb appeal and we can’t wait to welcome you to our new home.
Visit our flagship store on Tottenham Court Road to discover an extended collection of curated designers and Heal’s creations.
There’s no denying that this year has been a turbulent time for all. Covid-19 has changed the ways in which we live, work and shop, and unfortunately continues to do so. But as we learn to adapt to this new way of life, we recognise that we all have a part to play in helping to keep our communities safe.
As much as we consider our stores essentials, and recognise how much you love visiting them, it is with a heavy heart that we had to announce the temporary closure of our showrooms on Thursday 5th November in accordance with government guidelines.
While our physical locations may be closed for a short while, there are lots of ways you can stay in touch and shop with us! Here, we explain how our virtual services work.
Virtual consultations
You can now experience our stores from the safety of your home. During your virtual consultation, a member of our design team will tour you around the showroom via video chat. They can zoom in closer on any details you’d like to inspect or give their tailored recommendations for what you need.
Our experts will pay thorough attention to detail to ensure you receive the personalised shopping experience you deserve. All from the comfort and warmth of your own home.
What's not to love? Book yours now.
Via Heals.com
Our website is the place to go to see all our lighting, furniture and accessories in one place. When shopping online, you can personalise your experience in many ways. For example, use our upholstery tool to design your own sofa or armchair.
Similarly, you can create your own table design by combining different legs and tabletops to suit your home. The only part of the shopping process that involves contact is the delivery. To keep them as safe as possible, we’ve made sure all our deliveries are socially distanced. We’ve also worked hard with our furniture delivery partners to create new working practises that make two-man deliveries safe for both their teams and of course, for you.
Via the Heal's online chat
Our in-store advisors are here to help throughout the working day via online chat. Our anonymous messaging service can be found in the bottom right-hand corner when you’re using your desktop. Every member of the team can communicate with you via chat, photos and live video. Want to see a product in more detail without booking an appointment? Online chat is a good choice.
Via our Telesales team
Whether you’re looking for more information about an item or need advice, our Telesales team is ready to help. This is a great choice if you’d rather speak to someone on the phone as they’re there to help throughout the working day. Plus, you don’t need to schedule an appointment. Get in touch with our Telesales team here.
Via our Christmas Virtual Interior Planning Service
While our showrooms may be temporarily closed, that doesn’t mean your Christmas preparations should be put on hold. Our interior designers Roger and Helen are on hand to offer a tailored virtual Christmas consultation that’s based entirely on your individual home.
Our experts will help to alleviate your seasonal stresses with personalised tips on customised colour palettes, festive decorations and interior themes. All via the virtual medium.
Like what you hear? Discover more here.
Current orders
If you want to place an order or have already done so, rest assured that all of our suppliers, our warehouse and our delivery teams are working as normal to get your beautiful pieces to you safely and on time. Additionally, if you are self-isolating or feeling the effects of Covid-19, we can make special arrangements for delivery. Just advice us of your situation in advance.
Our promise to you
Here at Heal’s, we have been trading from our store on London’s Tottenham Court Road for over 200 years. Through thick and thin, we’ve kept our doors open to provide a personalised shopping experience for you - our loyal customers.
Prior to March, the last time we’d closed the store for any extended period of time was during the Second World War. And that was only because we switched our factories to make parachutes for the war effort. Regardless of what the next few months holds, we’ll be here to help with your interior and design needs thanks to our virtual ways to shop.
We can't wait to safely welcome you back to our physical locations soon. Until then, our experts are working tirelessly to ensure you receive the same personalised service from the comfort and warmth of your own home.
Explore virtual ways to shop here.
Plan the perfect Christmas from the comfort of your own home with our new virtual service. Whether you're searching for bespoke decorations or looking to bring festive charm to the dining table, we're here to help.
Whatever your needs may be, our interior designers Roger and Helen are here to finesse your Christmas planning. And in this article, we show you exactly how Heal's can help you to create a magical Christmas.
How a virtual consultation works
Now you can explore our showroom from the comfort and safety of your home. During your virtual design consultation, one of our interior designers will tour you around the showroom via video chat.
They will show you various Christmas dining table settings, inspiring your own vision with a variety of colours, themes and decorations. They can also show you beautifully decorated Christmas trees, zooming in closer on any details you love.
Throughout the consultation, our experts will answer any questions you may have and give interior design advice that's tailored to your home.
Personalised advice
Our interior designers offer a tailored Christmas consultation that's based entirely on your individual home. They will help to alleviate your seasonal stresses with personalised tips on customised colour palettes, festive decorations and interior themes.
Have a specific need? Don't panic. They'll cater for that! And what's more, they will ensure you discover everything you need to have the most wonderful Christmas.
Booking a virtual consultation
It's never been easier to start Christmas planning. Simply click here to book your personalised virtual consultation. Once on the site, click 'Virtual Consultations' then 'Interior Planning Service' to book a slot. Our team will try their upmost to find a time that suits you best.
Heal's makes Christmas easy
This Christmas, your festive plans may look a little different to previous years. That doesn't mean the fun has to stop though. However you're spending the season, let us bring a little charm and joy to proceedings.
From delightful decorations and magical lighting to the finest stocking fillings and festive food and drink, we will cater for your every need. And if you're stuck on what to gift a loved one, our Christmas Gift Guide offers present inspiration for everyone in your life.
Like what you hear? Book your virtual Christmas design consultation now.
At Heal’s there are many ways you can shop with us. From visiting one of our showrooms to booking a virtual consultation, our team is here to finesse your shopping experience. In this article we talk you through the six different ways you can shop at Heal’s.
Via Heals.com
Our website is the place to go to see all our lighting, furniture and accessories in one place. When shopping online you can personalise your experience in many ways. For example, use our upholstery tool to design your own sofa or armchair.
Similarly, you can create your own table design by combining different legs and tabletops to suit your home. The only part of the shopping process that involves contact is the delivery. To keep them as safe as possible, we’ve made sure all our deliveries are socially distanced.
Via the Heal's online chat
Our in-store advisors are here to help throughout the working day via online chat. Our anonymous messaging service can be found in the bottom right-hand corner when you’re using your desktop.
Every member of the team is based in one of our stores and can communicate with you via chat, photos and live video. Want to see a product in more detail without booking an appointment? Online chat is a good choice.
Via our Telesales team
Whether you’re looking for more information about an item or need advice our Telesales team is ready to help. This is a great choice if you’d rather speak to someone on the phone as they’re there to help throughout the working day. Plus, you don’t need to schedule an appointment.
Get in touch with our Telesales team here.
Via virtual consultations
We have introduced virtual consultations so that you can experience our stores without leaving the comfort of your home. During your virtual consultation, a member of our design team will tour you around the store via video chat. They can zoom in closer to any details you’d like to inspect or give their recommendations for what you need. Like what you hear? Book yours now.
Visit a Heal's store
Visiting one of our showrooms means you can really interact with our designs in a safe environment. Plus, our consultants are on hand to offer you as much, or as little, help as you need. If you wish to try a piece of furniture like a mattress or sofa, we have ways to do so safely. This includes placing a plastic sheet between your and the furniture which is then disposed of once you’ve finished.
Want to know more about what we’re doing to keep you safe? You can find a full list of our social distancing measures here.
Via private consultations
Private consultations are ideal if you’d like to visit one of our showrooms outside of busier hours. We’ve reserved the first hour of every day for these private consultations. Each appointment is one hour long and available from 11am until 12pm before our store opens.
A member of our specialist design team will greet you and assist you throughout the store in the safest possible conditions. This means you can peruse our offering without encountering queues along the way.
But hurry! There are only five appointments available each day, so book yours soon.
Experts in sleep since 1810, this week saw the launch of Heal's new Sleep Studio at our flagship store.
To celebrate the occasion we held a special day of exclusive press events including a Heal's themed 'Breakfast in Bed' and evening drinks all within the beautiful setting of our new mattress, beds and bedding department.
Shop Sleep
Breakfast in Bed: to kick start the day there was an exclusive breakfast morning in which select members of the design press enojyed a specially curated menu in our new Sleep Studio.
Sonny side up: the beautifully prepared breakfast menu came courtesy of the Ambrose Café situated just a stone's throw away on the first floor of the flagship store.
A stitch in time: alongside the mornings feast one of our specialist mattress makers was on hand to demonstrate how a Heal's bed is filled and stitched throughout the day.
Nightcap: for the evenings event we thought it only right to get everyone in a relaxed mood with gin and tonics served by Sipsmith plus a sample of their new summer cup.
Rest assured: interior stylist Maxine Brady presented her top tips for a dreamy night’s sleep followed by a Q&A with the gathered bloggers, press and industry experts.
...and relax: with the drinks in full flow, our guests were also treated to massages from MILK Beauty to ensure they left feeling revitalised and de-stressed.
Shop Sleep
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