From James Bond to Breakfast TV: How One Designer Created the Look of the 90s
London is full of historic stone buildings, but if you look closely, there are a few that feel like they jumped straight out of a movie screen.
Some are fortresses built for spies. Others are colorful temples to 80s pop culture. They were all designed by Sir Terry Farrell, the man who turned London’s skyline into a cinematic experience.
Here is the story behind the two most famous "cult classic" buildings in London—and how you can own a piece of their history.
Explore our Mi6 Building collection featuring prints, mugs, apparel and much more.
1. The MI6 Building (Vauxhall Cross)
The Hook: James Bond’s Real-Life Fortress
If you have seen a James Bond movie in the last 20 years, you know this building. It’s the headquarters of the Secret Intelligence Service, affectionately known to Londoners as "Legoland" because of its distinct, blocky silhouette.
* The Secret History: Surprisingly, it wasn't built for spies! It was originally designed to be a bustling urban office center. But the government bought it, fitted it with bomb-proof glass, anti-listening devices, and moats, turning it into the fortress we know today.
* The Movie Star: It has been blown up in Skyfall, demolished in Spectre, and featured in The World Is Not Enough. It is the ultimate symbol of 90s "Cool Britannia."
* Why You Need It: It’s not just a building; it’s the home of 007.
* Get the Look: [Shop the MI6 Collection] – The perfect print, product, t-shirt or jumper for the Bond fan in your life.
2. TV-am (Camden Lock)
The Hook: The Temple of 80s Cool
Walk along the canal in Camden, and you’ll see something strange: giant plastic eggcups perched on a roof. These are the remains of the former TV-am building, the headquarters of Britain's breakfast television revolution in the 1980s.
* The Vibe: This building was pure joy. With its bright colors, "Memphis" style curves, and pop-art energy, it looked like a cartoon come to life.
* The Cult Following: Today, it is an icon for lovers of Vaporwave, 80s Aesthetics, and retro design. It represents a time when TV was chaotic, colorful, and optimistic.
* Why You Need It: our products recalling it are the ultimate conversation starter and a piece of pure 80s nostalgia.
* Get the Look: [Shop the TV-am Collection] – Bring some 80s energy to your wall.
...And The Hidden Gems
Once you've fallen for the icons, check out these other masterpieces of London design by the great master of postmodern architecture Sir Terry Farrell:
* Embankment Place (Charing Cross): The "Gotham City" of the Thames. This massive structure floats on "air rights" directly above the train tracks. It’s a marvel of heavy engineering that looks like a futuristic train shed. [Shop the Collection]
* The Cosmic House: A hidden Postmodern laboratory in West London where every room represents a different season or cosmic element. A true intellectual puzzle. [Shop the Collection]
* Alban Gate: The twin-towered giant of London Wall that defines the City's financial boom era. [Shop the Collection]