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Plans finally ‘Come Together’ for a Grade II listing for Abbey Road

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23 February 2010

Recent speculation over the listing of Abbey Road Studios was ended today when Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, listed the iconic recording venue at Grade II, on the advice of English Heritage.  The recording studios are world-famous as the major recording home of The Beatles, as well as hosting many other famous artists from across the musical spectrum, including Dame Shirley Bassey, Iron Maiden, Michael Jackson and Sir Edward Elgar. 

Listing the studio, Margaret Hodge said:

“Music – of whichever genre - is the thread that follows us through all our lives and Abbey Road Studios have produced some of the very best music in the world.  It’s a testament to both the importance of music in people’s lives as well as the passion this kind of issue stirs up, that so much interest has been generated by the perceived threat to the future of Abbey Road. 

“Whether your tastes are for classical, hard rock or pop music, one of your favourites is more than likely to have recorded at Abbey Road.  My favourite song of all time, “If I fell” by The Beatles, was recorded there in 1964, and to have played a part in preserving this world-famous venue is as exciting for me as hearing that song for the first time.  Well, almost!” 

Listing status can be conferred either through its architectural or historic merit.  Number 3 Abbey Road itself is an 1830s villa, whose interior was completely transformed by the decision to turn the building into a purpose-built recording studio, combining performance space and technical facilities to enable the recording of the performances. 

This means that listing status has been granted overwhelmingly on the historic merit of the studios.  It has huge cultural importance and a very special place in the hearts of recording artists and music-lovers alike.  The new listing status will ensure that, although changes to the interior are not prohibited, care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered.  The Abbey Road Studios have been listed in acknowledgement of their outstanding cultural interest and to ensure that recording artists for generations to come can continue to make and record music in the same rooms as musical icons of years gone by.

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Notes to Editors

  1. The Gramophone Company (later to become EMI) started to change Abbey Road in 1930 and works were carried out from 1930-32.  The architects were Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, whose Hoover Factory (listed at Grade II*) and Simmonds Aerocessories Factory (listed at Grade II) in West London remain iconic examples of Deco Moderne style.

  2. The studio was designed to occupy the entire depth of the plot, including the garden.  Studio One was intended for orchestral use and remains one of the largest in use.  Studio Two is famous for its association with Sir George Martin and The Beatles.  Paul McCartney has recreated the layout of the studio at his private premises.  Studio Three has been largely altered in recent years, having been sub-divided and acoustically re-designed. 

  3. The main purpose of listing a building is to ensure that care will be taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect the particular character and interest of the building, and that the case for its preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals.

  4. Further details of English Heritage's recommendations can be obtained from Historic Environment Designation Branch, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH.

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