All change on Oxford Street: walk
All change on Oxford Street: walk with Alec Forshaw
Sunday 26 July 2026
Start time/place: 10:00am/South-West corner of Oxford Circus (by Nike), W1B 2ER
Start/finish time: 12:00pm/Marble Arch, W2 2UH
Learn the history and possible future of the ‘nation’s high street’ through its best architecture in a walk led by historian and author Alec Forshaw. After the decades-long battle, the street should be pedestrianised by the time our walk takes place – let’s see if that actually happens.
The walk will take us along the western half of Oxford Street looking at fine examples of 20th century commercial architecture and current projects which are re-inventing the retail offer of London’s main high street.
Highlights will include the London College of Fashion (1962), John Lewis (1939-1963 Slater & Uren, Barbara Hepworth), former DH Evans (1937 Louis Blanc 2026 PDP Architects), the M Building (2025 AHMM), HMV (1936 Joseph Emberton), Bond Street Station (2022 Pilbrow), Selfridges (1908-28 Daniel Burnham; 2018 David Chipperfield), M&S (1929 Trehearne & Norman), Park House (2012 Robin Partington), Cumberland Place (2023 AHMM) and Moco Modern Art Museum (2024 Archer Humphryes).
While the street is usually way too busy, we picked the quietest time there is – Sunday morning, before most of the shops open.
Alec Forshaw, historian and conservationist, was heavily involved with the campaign led by the C20 Society and SAVE Britain’s Heritage to save the M&S building near Marble Arch.
Non-members: £25
C20 Members: £20
Young C20 Members: £10*
*For Young C20 members, please email lukas@c20society.org.uk to secure a place.
Click here for our cancellation policy.
Not a member yet? Join here and benefit from event ticket discounts. Looking to support our campaigning? Donate to our casework here.
The Twentieth Century Society is an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building conservation) recognised CPD provider and is a registered charity, no 1110244.
Above: Marks & Spencer (1929) by Trehearne & Norman. Photo by Matthew Andrews for SAVE Britain's Heritage.