Calls to preserve historic Soho film company sign

The Soho Society is calling on building owners to keep the iconic film production company sign

A sign linked to Soho's historic connections with the film industry may be replaced under refurbishment plans.

The Hammer House sign on Wardour Street harkens back to the building's former use as the home of Hammer Film Productions, now used as mixed-use office space.

Primarily known for its horror movies put out from the mid-1950s up to the 1970s, Hammer Film Productions moved into its Soho office in the late 1940s, after which point it was renamed Hammer House.

While the current sign dates to the 1990s, the Soho Society is requesting it either be retained under plans to refurbish the building or a "facsimile of the original" be installed in its place.

Hammer Film Productions was founded in 1934 by William Hinds and James Carreras.

While it worked on films in genres such as fantasy and science fiction, it is most closely associated with its long list of horrors including the Count Dracula series and The Mummy (1959).

The application, filed by architects kennedytwaddle on behalf of owners Hammer House Investment Limited, largely focuses on changes to the rear of the building.

It also proposes to replace the signage and doors to the upper floors "with more simple, discreet versions".

Chris Twaddle of kennedytwaddle said the studio always tries to be as true to the original as it can with its refurbishments.

'True to original'

He said: "The wider plans for Hammer House are to refurbish the building in a manner true to the original to create quality new workspaces and potentially a roof terrace with unrivalled 360 degree views of the area."

Tim Lord, Chair of the Soho Society said the group is discussing with the applicant whether any proposed changes to the building's façade can either retain the existing sign or replace with a replica of the original.

"Soho was for many decades the centre of the UK's film industry and we are keen to retain and protect these reminders of that period," he added. "We loved the Hammer House of Horror and we want it to stay."

The application is yet to be decided by Westminster City Council. A target date has been set of 9 September.