Liberty is a fixture on the London list. For visitors it is a must and for Londoners, Regent Street just wouldn't be the same without it. The website has an exciting edge, full of interesting and quirky buys.

LIBERTY PRINTS

Soon after opening on Regent Street in 1875, Aurthur Liberty printed the first Liberty Fabrics. Each year, new and original designs and colour palettes are created in the renowned Liberty Design Studio for each of the seasonal collections. This Autumn (2009), Liberty launches a new and innovative collection of fabrics, fusing the work of six established British artists, including Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, Paul Morrison and Anj Smith. These hugely original fabrics can be used to make up blinds, curtains, cushion covers, adding a dash of contemporary cool to any room.

FURNITURE, LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES

Demonstrating the same willingness to engage with new design that it shows in its approach to fashion and printed fabrics, Liberty offers a comprehensive and diverse selection of furniture, lighting and soft furnishings. Within furniture, Arts and Crafts tables, Victorian Chesterfield Sofas and German Steel Clocks can be found in the Vintage Collection; meanwhile, those with more modern tastes can find the best contemporary designs from brands including Fornasetti, Knoll, Vitra and Benchmark.

FRESHNESS OF DESIGN

There is a cheerful and slick selection of lighting found within Home, as well as all types of haberdashery, cushions, rugs and an excellent selection of bathroom accessories (we particularly like Limited Edition towels designed by artists such as Jeff Koons, Alex Katz and Elizabeth Peyton). Though a long serving London department store, Liberty has lost none of its freshness of design and, after reporting one of its best first halves for many years (that's in spite of the recession), there's every chance that it will continue as a Regent Street favourite for many years to come.

28th August 09