The Egyptian Escalator Hall is placed in the core of Harrods, with access to from the Lower ground to the 5^th floor. The whole decoration with Egyptian motif was commissioned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, Harrods’ former owner, to refer to his cultural heritage. Once entering the hall, you will be, in no seconds, astonished by its grand nature.

On its ceiling above the 5^th floor, there is a zodiacal climax with relief of various creatures, painted in navy and gold. The gold tone extends downward. Walls around the hall on the 5^th floor were carved with patterns depicting ancient Egyptian life. The female head figures on top of the four pillars that go through all the floors also add to it a great ambience.

Figure 1

Head sculptures in other forms are placed below every little balcony reaching out of the floor as a supporting base. Standing in the balconies are models lavishly dressed by different brands. Given that above the ground floor, this escalator is surrounded by and connecting numerous department stores, the balconies with models facing the middle, in a way, become a graceful showcase. Instead of forcing themselves to customers, the models stand with their body partly covered by metal railings engraved with Egyptian symbols, like a leisured lady greeting everyone from her fashionable house. They naturally draw your attention to their elegant positions, along with the displays and stores behind. In this way, customers appreciating the decoration are unconsciously further engaged within the nature of shopping.

Figure 2: balconies with models

On the east side of the hall on several floors are tiny platforms or platform bridges. The one on the top floor is constructed as part of a fancy café with a glass display box with luxury goods in front. The experience caused by it is two-way. The open restaurant space has increased the appetite of those in it with a stunning view while attracting the passers-by. Another platform on the lower ground is also worth mentioning. It was designed as a semi-circle space with walls filled with relief of human figures, plants and creatures. Opposite it, at the west side of the hall, two sphinx statues face with each other in a guarding position. The alert-looking statues, the semi-circle wall, and escalators on both sides, on the lower ground floor, form up an enclosed space that is nearly mentally repressive. Facing it, it is quite likely for us to have the illusion of historic remains, that is waiting for us to enter to view more. The layout, therefore, guides customers’ actions unconsciously.

Figure 3: platform on the 5th floor

Figure 4: space on the lower ground

Despite the hall’s grandeur in decoration that greatly improves the shopping experience, considering the use of space the hall is still a success. The Egyptian image doesn’t appear suddenly in the hall but emerges around it. Crossing a platform bridge in the escalator hall to enter the Perfumery Hall, you will naturally embrace a fantasy of ancient myth, from the Egyptian deity figures to goddesses displayed in perfume commercials. Luxury halls on the west, are likewise decorated with brick pillars and sphinx sculptures. Next to the hall of fragrance is the food market. The Egyptian Escalator Hall with the constructions around it, are either similar or relevant in aesthetic style, and respectively function to fulfil customers’ needs, differing in forms but all related to enjoyment and leisure, establishing a joyful journey for anyone here to encounter the beauty of human culture and commercial civilization. Therefore, I would argue that the hall is still of much value beyond its aesthetic appearance.  

Figure 5: luxury hall

Picture:

1. Gu, F. (2018) Ceiling. [photograph] London.
2. Gu, F. (2018) Balconies with models. [photograph] London.
3. Gu, F. (2018) Platform on the 5th floor. [photograph] London.
4. Gu, F. (2018) Space on the lower ground. [photograph] London.
5. Gu, F. (2018) Luxury hall. [photograph] London.