This post arises from using the Search box on BBC iplayer yesterday evening.
You should be aware, there was a post about it, at least in general terms that Historic England list buildings to ensure their preservation. A building that doesn’t make it onto their rather long list can be deemed by a local authority “a Building of Merit”. This began in Hammersmith at the end of 1989 and it’s A Very Long List in which obviously Margravine Gardens and Cemetery is of special interest to me.
Don’t be misled. In Margravine Cemetery there are six Listed structures and memorials. These have a higher level of protection than Buildings of Merit. But I digress. Across the Talgarth Road to the east of the West London College lies a block of around 120 flats, Barons Keep. It was designed by Gunton and Gunton in 1937.
“A gated art deco gem with many original features such as bespoke lamp posts, full height glazing to stair cores and graceful balustrading. First floor balconies are almost continuous with upper floor ones peeling back, giving a pleasing boat effect. Windows have been replaced in upvc or aluminium but the overall architectural impact is not spoiled. Flats are paired around eight cores. There is a blue plaque at the end of the estate where a double height archway provides a rear access. It doesn’t appear to be mentioned on English Heritage’s database. U-shaped plan form used to address playing field opposite and now looks out on a red brick building for Hammersmith College. Planning permission was recently sought to add a storey to the building.” (London Deco Flats)
The additional storey is largely glazed and doesn’t greatly detract from G and Gs coherent design.
I was trying to find John Major being interviewed by Amol Rajan but when I typed John M an old documentary about John le Mesurier popped up. It turns out he lived in Barons Keep.