While the legendary 221B Baker Street is forever etched in the minds of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts, the actual location used for filming the exterior shots of the iconic address in the BBC series Sherlock isn’t on Baker Street at all. The unmistakable front door and surrounding facade fans associate with Holmes and Watson’s London residence are, in reality, located at 187 North Gower Street in London, NW1 2NJ. This strategic decision was made to overcome the challenges of filming on the perpetually bustling Baker Street, allowing for greater control over the filming environment and a more visually appealing backdrop.
Why North Gower Street? The Art of Deception
The decision to relocate the filming location wasn’t arbitrary. Baker Street itself, while historically significant, presents numerous practical obstacles for filming. The high volume of traffic, constant pedestrian activity, and the modern architecture that now dominates the street would have created logistical nightmares for the production team. North Gower Street, with its more manageable traffic flow, charming Georgian architecture, and a generally quieter atmosphere, provided a much more conducive environment for capturing the desired aesthetic.
The choice was also a deliberate one aimed at visually enhancing the show. North Gower Street’s architecture more closely resembles the Victorian-era London described in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, providing a richer and more authentic feel than contemporary Baker Street could offer. The producers skillfully crafted a believable illusion, capitalizing on the area’s inherent charm to create a memorable and iconic location.
Decoding the Exterior: More Than Just a Door
The exterior shots of 187 North Gower Street are crucial to the Sherlock series. They provide a visual anchor, establishing the location of Holmes and Watson’s partnership. Noticeable features, such as the iconic blue door and the “Speedy’s Cafe” next door, quickly became synonymous with the show. In fact, Speedy’s experienced a significant surge in popularity due to its on-screen prominence, becoming a pilgrimage site for fans of the series.
A Study in Set Design
The production designers meticulously dressed the North Gower Street location to further enhance the Victorian ambiance. Subtle details, like period-appropriate street signage and strategically placed props, helped to transport viewers back to the time period associated with Sherlock Holmes, even though the series is set in modern-day London. These visual cues, combined with the inherent charm of the street itself, contributed significantly to the overall success of the show’s visual appeal.
Beyond the Exterior: The Studio and Real Baker Street
While the exterior is filmed on North Gower Street, it’s important to note that the interior scenes of 221B Baker Street are filmed in a studio. This allows for greater control over lighting, camera angles, and the overall set design. The studio set perfectly replicates the interior details described in the books and envisioned by the series creators.
The Real Baker Street: A Historical Landmark
Despite not being used for filming, Baker Street still holds immense historical and cultural significance. The Sherlock Holmes Museum, located at 221b Baker Street (a purposefully assigned address, as the actual number didn’t exist when the stories were written), draws thousands of visitors each year. The museum offers a meticulously recreated Victorian-era consulting room, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Sherlock Holmes. Even though the museum is a separate entity from the BBC series, its existence underscores the enduring legacy of the character and the enduring fascination with his fictional address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the filming location of 221B Baker Street in Sherlock, providing further insights into this intriguing aspect of the series.
1. Is the interior of 221B Baker Street also filmed on North Gower Street?
No, the interior scenes of 221B Baker Street are filmed in a studio, not on North Gower Street. This provides the production team with greater flexibility and control over the filming process.
2. Can I visit 187 North Gower Street?
Yes, 187 North Gower Street is a public street and accessible to visitors. You can easily visit the location and take photographs of the famous facade. Remember to be respectful of the residents and businesses in the area.
3. Is Speedy’s Cafe still open at 187 North Gower Street?
Yes, Speedy’s Cafe is still open and operating at 187 North Gower Street. It has become a popular tourist destination for fans of the Sherlock series.
4. Why didn’t they film on the real Baker Street?
Filming on Baker Street presents several challenges, including high traffic volume, constant pedestrian activity, and modern architecture that doesn’t align with the show’s desired aesthetic. North Gower Street offered a more controllable and visually appealing environment.
5. Does the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street have any connection to the BBC series?
No, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is a separate entity and is not directly affiliated with the BBC series Sherlock.
6. Was 187 North Gower Street chosen specifically for the show, or was it already a prominent building?
The building was chosen specifically for its visual appeal and suitability as a stand-in for 221B Baker Street. It wasn’t a particularly prominent building before the show aired.
7. Did the filming affect the businesses on North Gower Street?
Yes, the filming had a significant impact on the businesses on North Gower Street, particularly Speedy’s Cafe. The cafe experienced a surge in popularity due to its appearance in the show.
8. Are there any other filming locations from Sherlock near North Gower Street?
Yes, London is filled with filming locations from Sherlock. Many other iconic scenes were filmed throughout the city, making it a popular destination for fans. Researching specific scenes can reveal other locations relatively close to North Gower Street.
9. Is it possible to tour the studio where the interior scenes were filmed?
Unfortunately, the studio where the interior scenes were filmed is generally not open to the public. Studio tours are typically not available for active film sets.
10. Did the production team alter 187 North Gower Street for filming?
Yes, the production team added certain details to 187 North Gower Street to enhance its appearance, such as the 221B address plaque and specific window dressings.
11. Will the Sherlock series return to filming on North Gower Street for future episodes?
Given the current hiatus of the series, the future of filming on North Gower Street is uncertain. However, if the series were to return, it’s highly likely they would utilize the location again, given its established association with the show.
12. What makes North Gower Street a better visual representation of Victorian London compared to Baker Street?
North Gower Street retains more of its original Georgian architecture, which aligns more closely with the Victorian era depicted in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Baker Street, on the other hand, has undergone significant modernization, making it less visually suitable.