The Londoner, Leicester Square

At the heart of The Londoner in Leicester Square, art, architecture and craftsmanship converge in a façade that redefines contemporary terracotta design. Conceived by Woods Bagot in collaboration with artist Ian Monroe, the building’s striking exterior is formed from over 15,000 individually crafted terracotta tiles arranged across more than 30 intricate mosaic patterns.

For Darwen Terracotta, this project represented a unique dialogue between digital precision and traditional manufacture. Translating complex geometries developed through advanced modelling into physical ceramics required meticulous coordination and a deep understanding of material behaviour. Each tile was hand-crafted through a process of moulding, drying, glazing and firing—an approach that preserved the integrity of Monroe’s artistic vision while ensuring durability at architectural scale.

The resulting ultramarine façade draws on the historic legacy of tilemaking in the area, while expressing a distinctly modern identity. Extending from street level to the roofline, the installation transforms the building into a cohesive artwork—one that responds to its urban context while celebrating the enduring relevance of terracotta as both a structural and expressive material.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the possibilities unlocked when heritage craft meets contemporary design ambition.