No. 617: Oxford Street, W1
Foot Locker, 363 Oxford Street, London, W1. Photo © Roger Dean 2011
From the plaque attached to the wall of 363 Oxford Street, W1:
Site of the original HMV store
Opened by Sir Edward Elgar in July 1921, the
HMV store shaped the way people bought music
for nearly a century
In 1962 it played a significant role in
the career of The Beatles. A 78rpm demo disc
of the band was cut in the store’s recording
studio; this led to The Beatles’ long-term
recording contract with EMI
[ The HMV store closed in 2000 and the building is now home to a branch of Foot Locker. However, a little of the building’s history is recalled within the new companies logo with its homage to John Lennon’s eye wear. R.D.]
See the HMV store plaque at London Remembers: http://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/hmv-store