St Columbas Hospital

CAMDEN

TQ2686NE SPANIARD'S ROAD 798-1/9/1490 (East side) 10/04/81 St Columba's Hospital

II

Formerly known as: The Elms SPANIARD'S ROAD. Detached house. c1875, probably enclosing an earlier building on the site itself of two periods but of which no trace is now visible internally. Red brick with terracotta dressings and Welsh slate roof. Free style, with details and several shaped gables in the style of George Devey. Long irregular 2-storey range having 3 projecting gabled sections and a tower at the south end. C20 north extensions. INTERIOR: not inspected but noted to retain a large reception room of 2 storey height with carved oak panelling of great richness and individuality, French Renaissance style, a large carved chimney piece and a frieze and ceiling with grotesque grille panels. A full height bay window faces a viewing gallery at 1st floor level above the entrance. Another small room is fitted with C18 style panelling and ceiling plasterwork. A larger saloon has flat Adam style decoration. Traces of woodwork and carving similar to the first room and Jacobean style doors and architraves in the hall and other rooms; also a staircase and stairwell in Jacobean style. Room north of main saloon has damaged decorated ceiling concealed by slung modern ceiling. Former matron's office; altered by partition etc., has good ceiling, fireplace and panelling. Upstairs refurbishment in 1930s has introduced some woodworks and bathroom fittings in Art Deco style. HISTORICAL NOTE: the house was owned 1894-1908 by Sir Joseph Joel Duveen, art dealer and collector, who had it richly embellished in the 1890s, possibly employing Collcutt, who had also worked in his West End showrooms as decorator. It stands on the site of Mother Huff's Tea Gardens which flourished here for 50 years from 1678.

Listing NGR: TQ2656586936