Kenwood House
Client: English Heritage
This group of Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings by Robert Adam and others is set within a Grade II* registered garden by Humphry Repton, and is now a much-loved public amenity at the top of Hampstead Heath. Our Conservation Management Plan provided the first comprehensive history of the site’s evolution from a country retreat into a major art gallery and visitor attraction, evaluated its significance, and considered issues affecting its future. Working with MRDA Architects, we also compiled a room-by-room Gazetteer recording detailed architectural and historical information, which will act as a key tool for the ongoing management of the asset.
The Plan’s detailed policies set out how English Heritage should sustain Kenwood’s exceptional significance in the long term, covering issues such as maintenance, access, and the presentation of the interiors. In particular, our analysis informed complex debates over appropriate decorative schemes for each area of the main building. We also developed policies to increase public awareness of the diversity of Kenwood, including plans for consultation while detailed proposals for the restoration were being developed. As well as forming a foundation for planning the major works to the site, our completed Plan was a key part of English Heritage’s successful application for a £3.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
