Floral Street
Floral Street is a street located in the Covent Garden area of London. It runs east from Garrick Street to Bow Street and contains a number of fashion stores, including Paul Smith.
Originally called Hart Street, it changed to the current name in 1895 to reflect the market trade. However the street itself was mainly used by tradesmen associated with the fruit market. Originally the street was a cul-de-sac and at its peak during the 18th century there were no fewer than eleven pubs on the road and many illegal brothels.
Floral Street was also the Old Compton Street of its time with a large gay community, a pillory stood in the street which was mainly occupied by carousing homosexuals. Due to its narrowness, the street has never been a sought after residential address in comparison to its surroundings, though Joseph Haines lived and died here in 1701.
The main point of architectural note is the helix-shaped walkway which connects the Royal Ballet School with the main opera house building. It was designed by Wilkinson Eyre to represent the fluid grace of the prima ballerina.
The Royal Opera House is situated in Floral Street. A plaque at No. 48 marks the site of the studio of the artist Elizabeth Polunin who designed sets and costumes for several opera companies.
Coordinates: 51°30′44″N 0°07′29″W / 51.5122°N 0.1247°W
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