Main author
Michael BrooksDennis Severs house
Located on Folgate Street, in the Spitalfields area of east London, Dennis Severs’ house at no.18 is one of the city’s most curious and enchanting buildings.
Described by its former owner Dennis Severs as a ‘still-life drama’, the Grade II-listed Georgian brick terraced house appears entirely normal from the outside. It is only when entering through the front door that the extraordinary nature of the house reveals itself.
Spread over the house’s four storeys and basement, the interior has been designed as a historical re-imagining of a typical East End home for a fictional family of Huguenot silk weavers called Jervis.
The ten rooms of the house have each been refurbished in a different historic style, but predominantly from the 18th and 19th centuries, achieving a blend of Georgian, Regency and Victorian styles.
Severs, an American artist, bought and moved in to the house in 1979 and began his work, scouring local flea markets and antiques shops for artefacts and curios to enhance the authenticity of his ‘time capsule’. Severs died in 1999 and bequeathed the house to the Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust, who keep it open to the public for tours.
The tour begins in the basement and proceeds through the dining room, smoking room, and up into the bedrooms, which have grand four-poster beds and dressing tables, all intricately arranged with precise detail and care. The interiors are characterised by floral prints, upholstered mahogany furnishings, oak panelling, Iznik pottery, marble busts, fine china, tapestries, chandeliers, and grandfather clocks.
Tours are conducted by candlelight with fires smouldering in hearths and each of the rooms arranged as though the occupants had just popped out for the evening and are soon to return.
For those interested in the history of the period or the area, or with an interest in interior design, the tour of the house is a real treat, especially approaching Christmas when the interiors are decked out as though they are the setting for a Dickens novel. For those with vivid imaginations, this is perhaps the nearest to travelling back in time that London has to offer.
For details on tours and opening times, visit www.dennissevershouse.co.uk.
Images © Roelof Bakker.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes building safety questions as mandatory.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
Comments
This is an amazing time capsule. I have worked on renovations but never seen something like this.
Colin
www.hprbuilding.co.uk