Picture this: the staircase that hypnotises London photographers

 

A photo posted by An English Gentleman in London (@thebowlerman) on Jul 18, 2015 at 9:25am PDT

We don't know precisely what it is about the spiral staircase in Tottenham Court Road department store Heal's, but something about her shapely curves draws in London's photographers like moths to a flame.

© Andrea Pucci

The building was completed in 1854, but the spiral stairs, known as the Brewer Staircase, weren't added until 1914.

© Li Shen

 It was designed by architect Cecil Brewer, who was also the cousin and best friend (aw!) of Ambrose Heal.

© Darrell Godliman

 One hundred years later, it's still one fine-ass set of steps, as photogenic from above as below.

© Naf Selmani

 The striking hanging lights seem to be a more recent addition, however – only added in October 2013.

© Mister T

 It's a fine view in portrait.

© Real London Photos

  And positively gothic in black and white. 

© Christian Beasley

  Reversed out, it's clearly an enormous eye gazing down at us all.

© Original by Doug's Lumix

  In any (stair)case, the siren song of these sexy steps continues to prove utterly irresistible.

See even more angles on Flickr, find out about the Heal's store, or discover the new bridge that's obsessing London's photography community.