Refurbished Abbey Road Studio Tour: Exploring the Renewed Interior of the Iconic Recording Facility
Spruced-Up Sound Haven: A New Chapter at Abbey Road Studios
In the heart of London's St John's Wood lies a music sanctum that echoes with the voices of legends - Abbey Road Studios, a place where iconic tunes were born and modern masterpieces are still crafted. From The Beatles' frequent visits to Studio Two to the creation of timeless film scores in Studio One, this centuries-old location has been a recording hub for nearly a century. Built as a luxury townhouse in 1831 and transformed into the world's first purpose-built recording studio in 1929, it was time for a revamp.
Mark Robertson, Abbey Road's Marketing and Creative Director, shares his vision, "I wanted to make this place welcoming, more relaxed, because that's what the people who work here are like." The goal was to transform the space, creating an environment where artists could feel at ease and share their creative energy without any inhibitions.
Warm Welcome at the Refreshed Abbey Road
Stepping into the renewed Abbey Road Studios would feel like walking into a gracious home. A space that is ready to foster new talents, provide a safe haven for artists, and nurture the birth of new music. Robertson acknowledges the vulnerability of the recording process. Through thoughtful design, the aim was to instill a sense of calm and comfort, making everyone, from Frank Ocean to an upcoming artist recording their debut, feel at home.
After a series of meetings with numerous architectural studios, the project team eventually settled on the dynamic and visionary north London-based studios Threefold and SpacesOf. The design concept revolved around "collisions," a word that encapsulates the history of Abbey Road and the magic that happens within its walls. From unexpected artistic collaborations like George Harrison and Ravi Shankar to the union of Sleaford Mods and Hot Chip, Abbey Road has been the catalyst for many unexpected unions.
A Fresh Start at Abbey Road
The revamp starts at the reception area, where the cold, corporate black desk has been replaced with a curved wooden counter in calming sage green. The space now boasts vintage audio equipment and images from the studio's rich past, inviting conversation and soothing the soul. A curved golden door frame now marks the passage from the original house to the studios, providing a perfect photo opportunity and symbolizing the creative portal.
The renovation of Studio One has been handled with care, preserving its original art deco details while updating the space. The repainted powder blue panelling is a nod to the studio's past, restored with the help of an old black-and-white 1940s photograph. The walls and herringbone floor have been refurbished, and a new seating area has been designed as a space for relaxation and collaboration.
The design philosophy behind the renovation draws inspiration from recording equipment, with lamplit ephemera from Abbey Road's rich history adorning the room, spurring creative conversations. The studio's storage archives have been raided, providing a treasure trove of untold memories.
Abbey Road is not just about the past or the present. It's also about the future. The corridors connecting the studios will soon undergo a revamp, and a new penthouse lounge is currently in development, further expanding the space for artists to gather and create. Robertson emphasizes, "This is not a rebrand. It's a new vision for Abbey Road. It helps people understand our past and where we're going, but it's also a good signal for what else we can do."
Stay tuned for more updates on Abbey Road Studios and its continued journey in the world of music!
In the transformed Abbey Road Studios, the interior design mirrors a gracious home, fostering an atmosphere where homegrown talent and internationally acclaimed artists alike feel a seamless fit in the lifestyle of music creation. The thoughtfully revamped space, with its vintage audio equipment and curated images of Abbey Road's storied past, offers a welcoming embrace to every creative soul, embracing the future while cherishing its history in the realm of home-and-garden aesthetics.
