Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1979-1982 (Creation)
Level of description
Subseries
Extent and medium
2 Boxes, Rolls TBC
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
In this project (1979-1982) Charles Jencks, Maggie Keswick and Terry Farrell worked together on the conversion of the Jencks family home in Holland Park, West London. Sir Terry Farrell was heavily involved in the initial phase of renovation which changed certain internal structural features, building upon his experience of altering an existing property to introduce modern amenities.
The exterior of the existing 19th Century house was largely retained with small alterations. The interior meanwhile was extensively restructured, with the addition of a two-storey annexe, paired interlocking conservatories, a central spiral staircase and mirrored light shaft creating a dynamic space symbolically inspired by the cosmos, the solar system, and the seasons. The structural cylinder of the central staircase, supporting both itself and two adjacent walls, was cut at various points to allow both light and deliberate cross-views, sometimes uniting four rooms in a single vista. The main Solar Stair is complemented by a semi-circular 'Moonwell', which channels natural light over a darker area. The house encompassed Terry Farrell's contemporaneous philosophy that ‘circulation is a structure and form in its own right, and its celebration is the essence of the architectural solution.’
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Separated by large format drawing rolls, and document boxes. Original order imposed by Farrells filing system has been maintained.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open with some restrictions: data protection researcher interview may be required. Special Collections staff will provide researchers with further details of these restrictions.
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright Law Applies
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Rolled drawings and plans; paper documents
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Draft
Level of detail
Full