Status: Listed Grade II*
Architect: Reginald Uren
Owners: Morgans Hotel Group
Location: Berners Street, London

Background

Built as Sanderson House in 1957-60 by Reginald Uren of Slater, Moberly and Uren as HQ and showrooms for the leading fabric and wallpaper company, timed to coincide with its centenary. The glass curtain wall reflected American trends, and the building was distinguished by a courtyard garden by Phillip Hicks, including sculpture and mosaic by Jupp Dernbach-Mayern. John Piper created a series of large stained glass panels of the Seasons for the main staircase.

Threat

With the prospect of Sanderson vacating the building, its future was uncertain.

Action

The C20 Society lobbied Historic England for listing, with special emphasis on the works of art.

Outcome

The building was listed at Grade II* in January 1991.In 2001 the building was converted into a hotel by architects Denton Corker Marshall and interior designer Philippe Starck.