Maurice was a car fanatic and the family still has a picture of the furniture business, taken probably in the early 1920s, with his magnificent Lagonda parked outside. Lewis inherited his father’s craftsmanship and took his skills to the BBC, where he helped to build Doctor Who’s Tardis. Later, after he died, theīuilding was passed to Paul’s father, Lewis, and uncle, Maurice. Paul’s grandfather closed the furniture business and retired in 1951. We built it to last, as a family investment for the long term.” “We can’t quite claim it is carbon free, but it virtually is. “We are very proud of it,” said Paul, 60, who was born and brought up in Bedford Park, though he now lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire. Instead, an environmentally friendly heat recovery system cleans the air and controls the temperature. Hidden from view on the roof are solar panels that will keep down the cost of electricity for tenants and lower the building’s carbon footprint. Several locals contacted the builder to say it was “very attractively designed”.īut behind the traditional look is state of the art technology that is meant to allow the building to withstand anything the future might throw at it. Already it has attracted attention for its elegant facade, which blends seamlessly with nearby buildings. Outdated building, has replaced it with a distinctly 21st Century one. Now Paul senior’s grandson, also Paul Leo, one of the family members who together owned the Jewish father fled to England from Eastern Europe in about 1875 to escape the threat of pogroms and persecution. The business – showroom at the front, workshop at the back – was founded by Paul Leo, whose 12 Turnham Green Terrace had history.Īs Chiswick Furniture Galleries, which made pieces for stores such as Harrods, Maples and Heal’s, it was a landmark for locals since 1921. Nor was there a blue plaque signifying a famous former occupant.īut all the same, No. It wasn't the sort of place to attract the attention of English Heritage. Sign up for our weekly Chiswick newsletter

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