Image credit: Fred Romero / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · 2016-10-08 ↗
Daily Express Building: Fleet Street’s Black Art Deco Palace
120 Fleet Street · Temple → Fleet Street → Lincoln’s Inn · Art Deco / newspaper architecture / Streamline Moderne
Story
Amidst the pale stone façades of Fleet Street, the former *Daily Express* headquarters stands out, almost resembling a 1930s machine parked on the street. Completed in 1932, its striking façade of black Vitrolite glass, chromium bands, rounded corners, and expansive windows presented a radically modern statement at the time. The reinforced-concrete structure is associated with engineer Owen Williams, while Robert Atkinson designed the celebrated Art Deco lobby found within. This architecture was not merely aesthetic; it served a clear business purpose. Lord Beaverbrook, owner of the *Daily Express*, intended the newspaper's headquarters to convey speed, technology, and an unwavering confidence in the future—values that mirrored the ambition of a mass-market newspaper vying for millions of readers. Even today, with the presses long silent, the building retains an almost cinematic presence. Currently, the building is part of a major redevelopment project at 120 Fleet Street, which, as of August 2026, is under construction. The historic Grade II* listed building is being retained and restored as part of this development, while a new complex rises behind and around it. While future plans aim for public access to the extraordinary Art Deco foyer, along with cultural spaces and a public terrace, these cannot yet be described as open. For now, the primary interest for visitors is to observe the façade, accepting the potential presence of scaffolding, and to compare it with the adjacent buildings of the *Telegraph* and *Reuters*.
What to look for
Look for the distinctive black Vitrolite glass façade with its chromium bands and curved geometry. Observe for any permitted glimpse of the Art Deco lobby, even if construction limits views.
Secret detail
The façade's design was conceived to evoke speed and modernity, characteristics Lord Beaverbrook explicitly wanted to associate with the *Daily Express* brand and its focus on breaking news.
Where exactly
Find the black-glass frontage at 120 Fleet Street. Always follow signed pedestrian routes around the construction site.
Orientation
The façade is best viewed from the opposite pavement, subject to construction diversions.
Why it matters
This building is an outstanding example of Art Deco architecture in London, illustrating how modern design was deployed to project the identity of a major media enterprise in the 20th century.
Access & opening
120 Fleet Street development status: in construction in 2026; hoardings may obstruct views.
Exterior free; future public cultural access not yet treated as open.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Public pavement routes may be temporarily diverted during construction.