Pallant

at the

Pantechnicon

The Pantechnicon is a listed building of exceptional historic interest. It was originally designed in 1830 as Sotheby’s Arts & Furniture Repository (Pantechnicon - All the Arts). The original architect, Joseph Joplin, and builder, Seth Smith, who were responsible for developing large sections of Belgravia in this period, created in the Pantechnicon an imposing stucco fronted building in the form of a Greek temple structure.

The classical facade to Motcomb Street embodies ten Doric columns rising forty feet from pavement level and this theme of classical antiquity was developed further as a central conceptual theme of the Pallant shop interior, an inspired continuation designed by architect, Michael Collins.

The lofty double height shop provided space over three floors. The fitting rooms and staircase linking the floor level were encased in three overscaled Doric columns formed in natural oak; carefully aligned mirror panels reflected the columns from all angles.

The Pantechnicon housed the complete wardrobe collection of two of Britain’s most original and accomplished designers, Jean and Martin Pallant.