Gainsborough House (South Block)

Gainsborough House (south block) is a block of flats forming part of the London County Council housing estate, built between 1897 and 1902. Designed by Owen Fleming and R. Minton Taylor, it was one of the earliest estates developed by the LCC Architects’ Department, featuring a layout radiating from a central public garden. The building is constructed of red brick with some stone dressings and has slate roofs. The design reflects the principles of Humane Arts and Crafts socialist housing, drawing inspiration from the work of Philip Webb, Lethaby, and Smith and Brewer, and incorporating "Queen Anne" details, all executed to a high standard. The block is one of two five-storey pavilions, with a four-storey section and steep mansarded attic, forming an "L" shape around a central courtyard. It has a 12-window range and pavilion hipped roof breaks. Entrances are located on the courtyard elevations. Segmental arched sash windows with glazing bars are set within exposed box frames, arranged to emphasize the interior layout. The building contributes to a symmetrical composition alongside Hogarth House and Reynolds House.