Decca Studios, Recording studio in West Hampstead, London, England.
Decca Studios is a recording facility in West Hampstead housed at 165 Broadhurst Gardens with three recording spaces inside. The largest studio was designed with enough room to accommodate a complete symphony orchestra.
The building began as Falcon Works in 1880 and later served as West Hampstead Town Hall before Crystalate Gramophone Manufacturing took over in 1928. That takeover marked the start of its recording studio operations.
The name reflects the record label that operated from here and drew artists seeking to capture their sound. This place became known for the British musicians who chose to record within its walls.
The building now operates as Lilian Baylis House and serves the English National Opera for rehearsals. Access may be limited due to its Grade II listed status granted in 2021, so planning ahead is helpful.
The Beatles performed an unsuccessful audition here on January 1, 1962, which ultimately sent them toward Parlophone instead. This failed audition became a turning point that reshaped their recording future.
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