We are based in a brightly lit, multi-purpose studio space in the landmark Oxo Tower Wharf building on London’s South Bank, right on the river Thames between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge.
Oxo Tower Wharf
History:
Oxo Tower Wharf was originally built at the end of the 19th century as a power station for Royal Mail, but was bought by the Liebig Extract of Meat Company, makers of Oxo stock in the early 1900s. They redeveloped the wharf and added the distinctive tower as a landmark in 1929.
Apparently an original application to have Oxo spelt out on the tower as an illuminated sign was turned down, so instead the three letters were incorporated into the structure of the building as an architectural feature.
Today OXO Tower Wharf is just one part of the 13 acres owned and developed (mostly as housing) by Coin Street. It is a popular destination with diners, drinkers and shoppers and is home to 78 flats in a cooperative, low-rent housing scheme run by Coin Street.
It is located on the river on London’s famous South Bank a short walk from the Queen Elizabeth Hall, National Theatre, British Film Institute, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. Across the river from Oxo Tower is St Paul’s Cathedral and The City of London, which remains home to 110 Livery Companies (the medieval trade and craft guilds). The Companies include three shoe-related ones; the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, Worshipful Company of Leathersellers and the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers. These Liveries continue to flourish, fostering their trade in a wide context, serving the community, and embracing modern skills and professions. Many have Livery Halls, some of which are open to the public and are well worth a visit – Girdlers Hall, Haberdashers Hall, Skinners Hall, Dyers Hall and the Coopers Hall.
James recently became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers in recognition of our work raising the profile of shoemaking (cordwaining as it is correctly known), passing on the skills and traditions of the craft and supporting up and coming makers.
THINGS TO DO:
There is plenty to do in the area, from enjoying walking along the river to visiting London’s many museums, theatres and attractions.
In easy walking distance (15 – 20 mins) are:
Covent Garden
St Pauls Cathedral and The Royal Exchange
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern
The British Film Institute
The National Theatre
The Hayward Gallery
The Queen Elizabeth Festival Hall
The London Eye
The Aquarium
St James’ Park
Southwark Cathedral
The Imperial War Museum
GETTING HERE:
Oxo Tower Wharf is right at the heart of London on the river Thames and easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, car, bus, train and underground. If you can, leave the car at home and enjoy all that the South Bank has to offer on foot.
Cycle Park: There is cycle parking beneath the building to the left hand side
Underground: The nearest underground stations are Waterloo, Temple, Southwark, Embankment and Blackfriars
Rail: Waterloo, Charing Cross and Blackfriars are nearby and are key transport hubs for buses, trains and underground travel around London; and for travel to/from the Home Counties e.g. Surrey, Susses, Kent, Hampshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire etc.
Bus: Routes 59, 63, 68, 76, 139, 176, 188, 211, 243, 341, 381 pass nearby
Car Park: The nearest car park is in Cromwell Road.