Walking Tour - Art Deco Holloway – architectural delights of the 1930s

On this guided walk, lasting just under two hours, we'll look at some marvellous 'statement' architecture constructed in the interwar years during a design period that later came to be identified as 'Art Deco'.

The modernist architecture of the Jazz Age era with its clean geometric lines, simplicity, functionality and minimal decorative enhancement was designed to impress and inspire – a kind of "understated showing-off" pointing to a positive bright future – a complete change from the fussiness and over-embellishments of the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Holloway continued to be one of north London's major shopping and entertainment destinations and many of businesses here were keen to keep up with the designs of the time. This means there are some excellent examples of modernism and deco style hiding in plain view at almost at every junction. We'll look at a cross section of buildings and styles, including places of entertainment, commerce and health as well as manufactories and housing developments.

• The walk starts near the Holloway Odeon and finishes a few minutes' walk from Holloway Road tube station.
• The exact meeting point for the walk will be sent to you via email after purchase of your ticket(s). Please do not rely on maps supplied by non-Eventbrite apps as this often give incorrect info

Customer feedback: "This was a great walk, in the area I live in. It included buildings I know (including the one I live in!), ones I walk past, and ones I confess have hardly registered on my consciousness. Now I feel I know the area on my doorstep much better, thanks to Jane." / "She weaves her own journey of discovery about the buildings and people who worked or lived there into the story, and her enthusiasm and fascination rubs off on you!" / " As a Holloway resident for 20yrs, how did I never notice half of these before?!!" / "Thanks Jane, we will be back for more. BTW, I am fascinated by that neon diver too" / More customer feedback here

Other Art Deco walking routes are also available as well as online talks via Zoom.

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me – each highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please see my website:

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What is the minimum age requirement?

Children 5 years or younger are welcome at no charge. Please note that all children up to age 15 must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

No, I'm sorry – this is a ticketed event and spaces are limited – places must be booked in advance. 

Where exactly does this tour start?

The exact meeting point will be clearly described in plain english on your booking confirmation and your ticket which will both be sent via email after purchase. Please do not rely on non-Eventbrite apps which often give incorrect map information – again, please be sure to read the info near the bottom of your ticket.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. I will have a list of the named attendees.

If it's raining will the tour still go ahead?

Yes. Rain does not stop play... it's only water... bring a brolly!

Tours will only be cancelled by the guide if extreme or unforeseen circumstances arise. If this should happen you will be informed via email and a full refund will be issued.

Can I get a refund?

As you can appreciate, refunds (or transfers, see below) do not apply to those who do not show up on the day. However, if the event is cancelled or postponed by the organiser, you will of course receive payment in full.

You can cancel your ticket for a refund yourself up to 24hrs before the tour is due to start but please note that the booking fee (absorbed in the ticket price) is not refundable.

Can I transfer my ticket to another person/tour?

You might be able to offer your ticket to a friend – simply email/text me the name of the person who will be taking your place.

Alternatively, I am happy to hold your purchase for transfer to any other Jane's London Walk within the next 3 month period. To be eligible for postponement, you must let me know within 24hrs of the tour start.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

The walk will be mostly on standard pavements and should not pose any problems further to those experienced on an average high street.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Email: [email protected] / Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003

Host or Publisher Jane's London Walks