I'll probably never get to record an album at Abbey Road. It's been a dream of mine since the moment I first picked up a guitar almost two decades ago, but I've come to the sad conclusion that this particular dream shall remain unfulfilled. The same is true for thousands of struggling musicians across the globe, most of whom because familiar with the London-based recording studio thanks to the classic albums recorded by the Beatles in the 1960's, the last of which owed so much to the studios that it was named after them. But now, myself, and those countless other failed rock stars (sob) can at least look the part thanks to a new official Abbey Road Studios retail store, which includes interiors designed to replicate the studios themselves.
The new store, designed by the Lumsden design consultancy, will be selling memorabilia based on The Beatles and other artists who have previously recorded in the studios, including The Who, Pink Floyd and Amy Winehouse. Products include original vinyl LPs, photographs of famous faces who have recorded in the studios, and even specialist music equipment, with more bespoke merchandise set to be unveiled soon.
The new Abbey Road store, designed by Lumsden, will be selling memorabilia based on The Beatles and other artists who have previously recorded in the studios
The store design aims to mimic the most iconic parts of the recording studios, which are still functional today. Props that Lumsden have included as part of the design include Paul McCartney’s guitar, John Lennon’s piano, and microphones used in the modern-classic film The King’s Speech, alongside vintage pegboards, mixing consoles and other pieces of recording equipment used in the studios. Other design features include a cash desk formed out of 2,000 LPs, and materials used within the studios, such as mesh panels and a parquet floor.
A special music zone, meanwhile, includes an interactive table that provides visitors with a history of the studios, alongside high-end, bespoke audio products such as Sonos speakers, guitar straps and strings. The shop uses the bold colour scheme of red, black and white, which reflects the Abbey Road Studios rebrand, created by the Form consultancy in March this year. This includes a red, acrylic product display wall, and a black and white striped ramp at the entrance, replicating the famous zebra crossing sitting on Abbey Road featured in The Beatles’ album artwork. There is also a timeline showing off the studios’ enviable 84-year history. Callum Lumsden, creative director at Lumsden, who also designed the Harry Potter shop at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, said: “We’re trying to evoke the spirit of what’s happened at Abbey Road over the years. It’s the centre of the music universe in many people’s eyes. Nobody’s ever really allowed into the studios because they’re always in use. That’s why we’re trying to evoke the heritage of Abbey Road with the materials we’ve used.”
The store design aims to mimic the most iconic parts of the London-based recording studios, which are still functional today
Of course, for those amongst us (myself included) who are not based in London and prefer to do their shopping from the comfort their own sofas (or toilets, or back gardens, or the pub or wherever), there is also a new online store, which houses much of the merchandise that can be found in the bricks-and-mortar establishment. You’d think there’s little joy to be derived from purchasing souvenir items from a tourist attraction you’ve never visited, but I’ve just bought myself a charming tea towel and couldn’t be happier (yes I’m officially at THAT age it would seem).
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and struggling musician from Kidderminster in the UK. His favourite Beatles album is Rubber Soul.
