A historic Bloomsbury building with a remarkable connection to London’s publishing history has entered a new chapter as The Luson: a collection of four luxury two-bedroom apartments now launched for sale through Chestertons, London’s residential property specialist.

Located on Northington Street, the four-storey Victorian building is believed to date from the 1850s. Following years as offices and a period of vacancy, design-led London property developer Artform, undertook a comprehensive refurbishment, with the building’s publishing history providing a distinctive source of inspiration. Artform retained the existing Victorian façade while completely reconfiguring the interiors to create four contemporary homes.

The building’s publishing history dates back to The Graphic, founded in 1869 by Victorian wood engraver, artist and publisher William Luson Thomas. After becoming one of Britain’s most influential illustrated newspapers, it gave rise to The Daily Graphic, launched by Thomas in 1890 and published until 1926.

When The Daily Graphic was revived in 1946, it was based at Northington Street. The building later housed other publishers, including Pitkin Pictorials in the 1950s, securing its place in the history of British illustrated publishing.

The Luson takes its name from William Luson Thomas, celebrating both his pioneering legacy and the building’s long association with publishing.

The story also directly informed the interiors. Rather than recreating the past literally, Artform translated the language of the printing process into a contemporary material palette, with grain, pigment and impression expressed through etched stone tiles, inky cobalt accents and tactile timber flooring.

Each home has been individually considered, by Interior Designer Scenesmith, with these materials creating a sense of continuity across the building.

Sustainability was also central to the refurbishment, with the building’s thermal performance improved and air source heat pumps introduced as part of the transformation, bringing renewable technology to a Central London Victorian property while preserving its historic exterior.

George Davey, East London Residential Director at Chestertons said:
“Bloomsbury remains one of London’s most sought-after residential neighbourhoods, offering leafy squares, independent cafés, renowned cultural institutions and a quieter atmosphere while remaining at the heart of the capital.

“With subtle references to its former role as a printing and publishing hub, each home offers a distinctive character that is both creative and contemporary.

“They are well equipped for modern, sustainable living, featuring thermal efficiency throughout, making them ideal for professionals and couples looking for a unique, well-connected home with a rich history.”

Jonathan Ellis, Managing Director at Artform said: “Northington Street has a fascinating publishing history, and uncovering its links to The Daily Graphic gave us a distinctive starting point for the project.

“We didn’t want to recreate that history literally. Instead, we took inspiration from the language of print, grain, pigment, texture and impression and translated those ideas into the materials, colours and details of the interiors.

“At the same time, we wanted to make sure the building works exceptionally well for contemporary life. We’ve improved its thermal efficiency and brought renewable technology into a building with a long and varied history.”

The Luson sits in the heart of Bloomsbury, surrounded by independent cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs and shops, with landscaped green spaces including Russell Square and Tavistock Square close by.

The neighbourhood is also home to some of London’s most celebrated cultural institutions, including The British Museum, the Charles Dickens Museum and the Wellcome Collection.

Farringdon, Russell Square and Holborn stations are all within walking distance, as well as bus routes running along Gray’s Inn Road, providing excellent connections across central London.
The Luson has launched for sale through Chestertons, with four two-bedroom apartments now available from £1,150,000 to £1,650,000.