One of our most notable recent acquisitions is a pair of spectacular exterior clock-faces that were removed from the former Automobile Association (AA) headquarters in Leicester Square, Central London. The large 155cm diameter clocks would make outstanding decoration with fantastic provenance. The extraordinary clocks were originally positioned on each corner of Fanum House, which flanks the West side of Leciester Square. Fanum House was purpose built in 1923 as the AA’s central hub and headquarters. The building was designed by architect Andrew Mather, who also designed a large number of cinemas throughout the period, including the Odeon just across the square. The clocks were in prime position at the top of the building, proudly displaying the time to all passers by for the past 91 years:

As part of a regeneration plan for Leicester Square Fanum House is undergoing a huge overhaul and sadly much of the original features, including the roof and clock towers and the internal floorplan, are being removed and rebuilt.

You can read more about the plans here: http://www.building.co.uk/makes-leicester-square-makeover-bags-planning/5048939.article

You can watch a video of AA workers in and around the building in 1969 on British Pathe’s website: http://www.britishpathe.com/video/new-uniforms-for-aa

Read more in the British History Online website: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=41127#s13

View the clocks on our website.