Category: Architecture

From Sewage to Senile Treatment

In between Mortlake and Kew by the towpath there is a substantial plant that was used by Thames Water to treat sewage. It’s proper name is a biothane plane but that needn’t concern us as it shut in 2015.

A Few Stiffies

If I can’t remember what I’ve written I certainly don’t expect you to remember what you have read here. In January 2016, in Democratic Principles, Michael Stiff of Stiff + Trevillion made a brief appearance. His practice flourishes; one of his recent commissions is to design Damien Hirst’s new HQ in Beak Street.

Piccadilly Circus

A visit to Piccadilly Circus tube station is not something to look forward to. I have always been aware of its iconic 1920s architecture but until now had not taken time to admire it.

Dorich

  Given the choice I suppose most of us would choose Do-rich over Do-poor and I did so on a sunny morning last week. The Dorich in question is the Dorich House Museum in Kingston.

St Wulfstan and his Priory

Edward Elgar’s grave lies in the cemetery at St Wulstan’s church. It is curious that this saint is not better known. Incidentally his name has various versions of which Wulfstan is prevalent.

Wrest in Peace

Wrest Park belonged to the de Grey family until it was sold in 1917. They were made Earls of Kent in the reign of Edward IV and then the 12th Earl was created Duke of Kent in 1710. Confusingly he was also Lord Lucas. However, there was no heir to the Dukedom and Wrest was… Continue reading Wrest in Peace

Wrest is History

Wednesday 15th August, The Feast of the Assumption. Nikolaus Pevsner has a reputation for being dry to the point of dullness, so the dedication in his 1968 guide in The Buildings of England series,  Bedfordshire, Huntingdon and Peterborough surprised me. 

Arabesque

Stanley Donen is probably a household name in America but he’s only just come on the radar in Margravine Gardens.

Strawberry Hill

Last week I visited Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham. It has been extensively restored and only fully re-opened in 2013. It is open from Sunday to Wednesday so more of a destination for Retired Folk.

Flypast

I went to Buckingham Palace yesterday to watch the centennial RAF flypast and thought I’d do something I’ve never done – watch the Royal Family making a balcony appearance.