Crematorium, Camberwell New Cemetery

TQ3674NW 636-1/66/113

SOUTHWARK BRENCHLEY GARDENS (south east side) Crematorium, Camberwell New Cemetery

GV II Crematorium. 1939. Maurice Webb. Red brick plinth. Grey brick in Flemish bond and stone dressings. High pyramidal roof sheathed in copper to tower-cum-stack; hipped roof of green pantiles to chapel.

STYLE: Italian Renaissance manner, stylised and showing the influence of contemporary Scandinavian design.

PLAN: shallow, square chancel of one bay; nave of two bays, and narthex. Ancillary structures to ritual south east. Loggia of seven bays to ritual east. Offices and stack to north and north west.

EXTERIOR: west elevation has three flat-arched entrances, the centre of which has a semicircular tympanum with low relief carving of the Holy Spirit. Elevation has a definite Brunelleschian air, divided into three bays by four giant pilasters of the Composite order, quarter pilasters to porch re-entrant corners. Tower square in plan with flush corner quoins, the whole recalling the tower of St Mark's in Venice. Of particular note is the east elevation, with round-arched loggia between end bays, the rear wall bearing memorial plaques and pierced by round-arched openings leading to chapel and offices. Post World War II additions to the ritual north.

INTERIOR: plain walls, with high windows; coffered ceiling; moulded chancel arch springing from fluted piers. Seating and furnishings of an original design.

A subtle and handsome design which expresses the gravity of its purpose.

Listing NGR: TQ3601874595