Sadly for those who would like to see the structure used again, it is only cosmetic. But the work of some of Portsmouth’s best street artists has given the old branch of John Lewis a much-needed facelift for the time being.
Among the names who have joined in to beautify the store, which closed in July 2019, are luminaries such as My Dog Sighs, Fark and Claudia La Bianca. Various designs can be seen on the hoardings on both the Palmerston Road and the Clarendon Road side of the building, which had been a shop since 1865.
The latest on Knight and Lee is that THATgroup - the unwieldly named developer which took on the project - may be stepping aside. Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said two weeks ago that the council has been told that THATgroup are looking to transfer the site to another firm, a move which could happen soon.
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1. Artwork has appeared on the hoardings at the former Knight & Lee in Palmerston Road, Southsea, on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Picture: Sarah Standing
Artwork has appeared on the hoardings at the former Knight & Lee in Palmerston Road, Southsea, on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Picture: Sarah Standing | Sarah Standing
2. My Dog Sighs
Artwork on the hoardings at the former Knight & Lee in Palmerston Road, Southsea | Sarah Standing
