Carreras Cigarette Factory

The former cigarette manufacturing facility extends over 550 feet (168 meters) along Hampstead Road, featuring white rendered facades with papyrus bud capitals on decorated columns and two large glazed ceramic black cat sculptures flanking the main entrance representing the Egyptian goddess Bastet.

Constructed between 1926 and 1928 to designs by M. E. and O. H. Collins for the Carreras Tobacco Company, it represented Britain's first reinforced concrete industrial building with advanced air conditioning systems for tobacco processing before conversion to office use in 1961 after manufacturing ceased.

The structure represents the 1920s Egyptian Revival movement that swept Britain after Howard Carter's archaeological discoveries, establishing Camden's architectural identity along a major transport corridor during the interwar period through its monumental street presence and distinctive design vocabulary.

Now operating as Greater London House, the building contains offices for various organizations including ASOS.com and sits directly opposite Mornington Crescent Underground station on the Northern Line, providing convenient access although interior visits are generally not possible since it remains a working office complex.

At the 1928 opening ceremony, organizers covered the pavements with sand to simulate an Egyptian desert environment while performers from Verdi's Aida opera entertained guests, creating an elaborate theatrical spectacle that drew thousands of onlookers to north London streets.

Location: London Borough of Camden

Inception: 1928

Architectural style: Egyptian Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.53350,-0.13980

Latest update: December 1, 2025 07:46