When it comes to residential architecture in London, it is impossible not to think of handsome Georgian townhouses, exemplified by number 10 Downing Street. These symmetrical brick and stone buildings are highly prized, both for city homes and commercial and office spaces.

The Georgian period (1714 to 1830) was an especially fruitful one for architecture, with many beautiful museums, galleries, chapels, and arcades constructed in the UK’s towns and cities. They are distinguished by elegant classical proportions, large sash widows, hipped roofs, and decorative mouldings.

One of the leading architects of the era was Sir John Soane, and the museum dedicated in his name is exhibiting his collection of rarely seen architectural drawings by himself and his contemporaries. The Hidden Masterpieces display will be open between 9 March to 5 June 2022 at the Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London.

The museum website explains that the collection includes illuminated manuscripts, Italian Renaissance drawings, and Indian and Persian miniatures. It describes the artifacts as ‘one of the most important graphic resources in the world,’ and it features well-known designers such as Wren, Wyatt, Playfair, Adam, and Hawksmoor.

One of the most exceptional and well-preserved examples of the influential Georgian style is Benjamin Franklin House, to be found at 36 Craven Street, London. It is the only remaining home of Franklin, the giant of 18^th century politics and science, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Franklin lived in the house while acting as chief colonial diplomat, a period of 16 years, effectively making it the US Embassy. The heritage building is now open to the public, who can enjoy many of the original features for themselves. These include the central staircase with decorative bannisters, carved wood fireplaces, and Carrera marble fireplaces.

Much of the original ceilings, flooring, shutters, and panelling have been restored, thanks to a renovation mission launched at the end of the 20^th century. At the time, the house had been used as a hotel and office, and was in a state of neglect and decay.  Now a Grade I listed building, it is maintained by the Friends of Benjamin Franklin House.

Some of the most desirable townhouses in London can be found at Bedford Square in the celebrated Bloomsbury district. The historic square was built between 1776 and 1780, and is the epitome of taste and understated elegance. The homes are built around communal public gardens, and have the hallmark symmetry and coherence of the era.

Unsurprisingly, such beautiful residences have been home to some of the leading cultural and scientific figures of the day. Famous past occupants include the scientist Henry Cavendish, the publishers Jonathan Cape, and Thomas Wakley, the founder of the Lancet.

Today, the majority of the buildings are occupied by a variety of prestigious cultural institutions, including Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Architecture Associates, Paul Mellon Center, Yale University Press, and New College for Humanities.

If you require interior architecture services in Fulham, please contact us today.