GoKawiilZoe Craig
Why Are There Statues Of Beavers On Top Of This Oxford Street Shop?
We understand how you might've missed Oxford Street's four resident semi-aquatic rodents...
There's plenty to catch your eye on Oxford Street; even more if you raise your gaze above shop level.
If you glance up at the top of 105 to 109 Oxford Street (the building currently home to Tiger and Footlocker), you'll see a strange quartet of creatures decorating the roof.
Four beavers, the top one holding a scroll(!), have been peering down on Oxford Street shoppers for 130 years.
Can you see them now?
This is because 105 to 109 Oxford Street used to be Henry Heath's Hat Factory and for many years, the hats made here were felted with beaver fur.
Photo courtesy of Secret London.
Henry Heath's name and profession are still visible in a brick façade on the back of the former factory on Hollen Street.
... continue reading