No listings found in this category yet
Check back soon — we're always adding new businesses.
Hampden Gurney Street
Hampden Gurney Street is a short W1H street situated close to Marble Arch on the western edge of Marylebone, within the Portman Estate's neighbourhood. Compact and largely residential in character today, its history carries an unexpected musical footnote.
The street takes its name from John Hampden Gurney (1802 to 1862), Rector of St Mary's, Marylebone. In 1863, a school was erected here as a memorial to him, initially serving as an Anglican girls' school. The school later amalgamated with St Luke's in Nutford Place, and the original building was destroyed during the Blitz before a replacement opened in 1967, formally opened by the poet John Betjeman.
The most singular chapter in the street's story came after 1968, when the old school building at 20 Hampden Gurney Street was converted into a film production and photographic studio. In 1975 the Greek composer Vangelis established his Nemo Studios on the top floor of the former school. Between 1975 and 1987 he recorded a string of influential albums here, including Heaven and Hell and the Chariots of Fire soundtrack. The building was demolished after Vangelis left London in 1987. The street today presents a quieter face, a short connection between the larger arteries of Oxford Street and Seymour Place.
The Our Gazette
Delivered weekly to your inbox
Join 12,000+ Our insiders
