Royal Academy of Arts

This List entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 06/03/2018

TQ 2980 NW; 70/33

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, BURLINGTON GARDENS W1, No. 6, The Royal Academy of Arts

(Formerly listed as: Ethnography Department of the British Museum; Previously listed as Civil Service Commission)

09.01.70

GV

II*

Built as the headquarters of the University of London, museum when surveyed. 1866-69 by Sir James Pennethorne. Portland stone and pink sandstone; slate roof. Boldly modelled free Renaissance classicism, richly carved and endowed with free standing statues sculpted by J. Durham, P. MacDowell, W. Theed, E. W. Wyon, J. S. Westmacott, W. F. Woodington and M. Noble. Two tall storeys and basement. Main centre block of seven bays with flanking square pavilion-towers, 3-bay wings and flanking archways. The centrepiece has a projecting colonnaded portico approached by balustrated steps at sides. Arcaded upper storey with giant order of Corinthian columns between the pavilion-towers which have square attics bearing clock face and weathervane dial. The wings have statues in niches to ground storey and 3-light windows above articulated by Corinthian columns. Enriched cornices and balustraded parapets. The portico surmounted by seated scientific worthies and standing figures of same on the balustraded roof parapet. Carriage archways to east and west, the former partly blind. Returns of red and black brick and sandstone. Although altered the interior retains grand clerestory- lit central stairwell, hall and landing each being screened from well by three large arches. The stairs rise one flight and then divide. Ornate plasterwork to 1st-floor ceilings etc.

Survey of London; vol XXXII

Listing NGR: TQ2916380619