The Tower of Babel – Shop of the Day 156
Back to where it all started, well the production anyway. This renowned French patisserie on Greek St is where I had my first meeting with #1882Ltd – the manufacturers who have made the Fine Bone China Shops. Maison Bertaux was founded in 1871. Owned by sisters Michele and Tania Wade, it is known as the headquarters of the artist @MartinFirrell. The upstairs tea room shows work by comedian and artist @NoelFielding and members of Icelandic band @SigurRos among others. It is also the home of the The Maison Bertaux Theatre Club, which performs within the tiny confines of the shop. I had a long conversation with one of the lovely sisters who was asking my opinion of what colour she should paint the frontage.
It is thought to take its name from a Greek Church, which was built in 1677 in adjacent Crown Street, now part of the west side of Charing Cross Road. The church is depicted in William Hogarth’s ‘Noon’ from Four Times of the Day.
Maison Bertaux, 28 Greek Street,Soho, W1D 5DQ
©Barnaby Barford 2014