Cookson Adventures

The Conran Shop

The home of iconic designs and future classics

I wanted it to be a shop that sold more classic, modern furniture for a more informed generation.

Sir Terence Conran

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► The home of iconic designs & future classics

Founded by Sir Terence Conran, The Conran Shop has established itself as one of the world’s leading lifestyle retailers, offering an eclectic and exciting curation of furniture, lighting, gifts and personal accessories from the most respected designers and emerging talents across the globe.

The story starts in 1974, when the former Habitat store on London’s Fulham Road reopened as The Conran Shop. “I always thought that The Conran Shop should be filled with the very best and most interesting products and furniture from the four corners of the world, all chosen with the same pair of eyes,” explains Sir Terence. “I wanted it to be a shop that sold more classic, modern furniture for a more informed generation, such as Eames, Bauhaus originals and Mies van der Rohe, alongside fine glassware and china, beautiful handmade rugs and the very best French cookware. It was my dream store – modern, exciting and sophisticated.” Sir Terence relocated the store to Michelin House in 1987, an event he described as “the happiest day” of his life, rehabilitating the classic building and initiating the regeneration of Brompton Cross. The opening of the second London store in Marylebone instigated the revival of Marylebone High Street, increasing footfall and enticing other retailers to the district now famed for its chic and varied boutiques. True to form, when the Paris store opened in the famous Bon Marché building, it quickly became the cornerstone of interiors and design on Rue du Bac, starting a Parisian love affair with the brand. In recent years, The Conran Shop has collaborated with the world’s most renowned manufacturers including Knoll, Vitra and Carl Hansen & Søn to release exclusive and limited editions of world-famous design icons. By bringing fresh elements to enduring pieces, Sir Terence’s initial vision for The Conran Shop to contain only the best design is carried into the future. Few brands have the power to reinvent not just buildings but whole neighbourhoods. The Conran Shop now has ten stores across the world, six of them in Japan, while the most recent is The Conran Shop on the lower ground floor in Selfridges in Oxford Street. With its dedication to providing an unbeatable shopping experience and its carefully curated products, including vintage and modern designs, expert interior advice and personal services, The Conran Shop is the go-to place for any type of gift or interiors inspiration. By continually evolving its in-store and online environments and presenting exclusive collaborations and future collectables, it aims to inspire and excite visitors through objects that reflect the way we live now.

Opposite ► Hans J Wegner CH07 Shell Chair. Exclusive wenge finish. 1 of 25. By Carl Hansen & Søn for The Conran Shop.

Above, left ► A colourful collection on display in the kitchen and dining department of the Chelsea store.

Above, right ► Unique gifts and accessories within a rose-tinted setting in the Chelsea store windows.

Below, left ► The flagship Chelsea store stands proud on Fulham Road, within the iconic Michelin House.

Below ► Globally exclusive Saarinen Pedestal Table. Exclusive Calacatta Cielo Marble edition by Knoll for The Conran Shop. The Conran Shop