Heal's Cat

Even though the figure of a lion symbolizes England on the country's coat of arms, the capital city seems to have an affinity for grimalkins. There are numerous depictions of mousers throughout the breadth of the city. From the ancient (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sothebys-sekhmet) to the historic (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/dick-whittingtons-cat) to the just plain decorative (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/black-cats-of-carreras-cigarette-factory). Another feline can be located in Heal's home furniture shop along Tottenham Court Road.

Like many guardsmen before them, the Heal's Cat is perched on a staircase landing granting wishes to any passerby who gives them a stroke. The story of how this frisky feline came to be the store's mascot is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Originally sculpted by the French designer, Chassagne, it was meant to be sold as an objet d'art in 1925. However, the owner of Heal's at the time, Sir Ambrose Heal, decided that he wanted it for himself, and was said to have informed a buyer personally: “Heal’s mascot. Not for sale”. In her diary, author of "101 Dalmatians", Dodie Smith, who had worked at Heal's in the 1920s, was said to have been the one who sold it.

It is unclear when it made its way to its current and prominent position. Though a postcard was sold in 1933 that was entitled, "Cat on the Staircase". Speaking of the staircase, it has been reported as being the most photographed staircase in London. It was designed by a friend and cousin of Sir Ambrose, architect Cecil Brewer. It was installed in 1917 with the bespoke Bocci chandelier being added in 2013. The spiral staircase rises three flights and is a part of this Grade II listed building.

In 2016, Heal's decided to mark their 100th anniversary of their showroom & distinctive staircase that they invited several artists to design their own version of the store's mascot. The money raised was a benefit for the Great Ormond Street Hospital, (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/great-ormond-street-hospital) under the auspices of 'Kiss it Better' appeal. Ten artists were chosen with bids starting at 100 pounds.