The Geffrye Museum

The Geffrye Museum, built around 1715 by the Ironmongers' Company on land bequeathed by Sir Robert Geffrye, is a significant structure located on Kingsland Road. This long, U-shaped building features two storeys and a basement, with 15 bays in the side wings and 20 bays on either side of the central chapel in the main east range. The chapel is taller than the rest of the building and has two long, round-headed windows flanking a door that is framed by an architrave with a cornice supported by consoles. Above the door is a tablet with an inscription and a niche containing a reproduction of the figure of the founder. The chapel is topped with a pediment that includes a clock and a bell-cupola. The entire building is constructed of stock brick, accented with red brick dressings and stone quoins on the chapel. It features original tiled roofs and a wooden modillion cornice. The sash windows, which have glazing bars (most of which have been replaced), are set in moulded flush frames. Every five bays includes a six-panel door with a radial fanlight, also replaced. The main entrance is accessed via semi-circular stone steps, while the other entrances have plain steps, all equipped with cast iron handrails. At the west end of the south wing, there is a small one-storey lodge. The almshouses were acquired by the London County Council in 1910 and transformed into a museum of the furniture trade in 1914, following internal alterations that primarily involved the removal of upper floors and the breaching of partitions. A small graveyard is located to the north of the building.