Manors to Modernism: London's National Trust Properties with Dr. Alan Montgomery

For over a century, the National Trust has played a major role in preserving England’s heritage. Many of its most important properties can be found in London, both in the heart of the city and in its sprawling suburbs. Including everything from a Tudor manor house to a masterpiece of twentieth-century Modernism, London’s National Trust properties demonstrate the wide variety of historical buildings that the organisation seeks to restore, protect and open to visitors.

Sutton House in the borough of Hackney is one of the city’s last remaining Tudor houses, its long history and atmospheric interiors making it an enchanting time capsule of past glories. Further north in leafy Hampstead is Fenton House, a seventeenth-century mansion which holds important collections of ceramics and early keyboards and also boasts pretty gardens. Not far away, but in complete contrast, 2 Willow Road was once home to influential architect Erno Goldfinger and its sleek interiors reflect his Modernist approach to life and design. The grand stately home of Osterley Park is one of the finest creations of eighteenth-century architect Robert Adam, while the more humble but no less fascinating 575 Wandworth Road features elaborate hand-carved decoration created by Kenyan born writer Khadambi Asalache.

Led by a writer, historian and Context guide, this seminar will explore a variety of London’s best National Trust properties. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a new perspective on the city and its rich array of historical buildings.