House for an Art Collector

An extensive internal refurbishment to a Queen Anne revival style townhouse, with private gallery and basement addition, for a significant art collector and patron.

This seven-storey terrace house was originally built in the 1880s, and forms part of the exclusive Kensington Court Conservation Area. The house is of traditional Victorian construction, with influences from the Arts and Crafts period present in the red brick facade, white painted brackets and ironwork decoration. The project faithfully restored the decorative qualities of the original building, whilst taking the opportunity to re-invigorate the internal rooms with a minimal contemporary style. In addition to providing a home for a young family, the residence is part-used as a private gallery, designed around the owner’s significant art collection. Quinn Architects also worked collaboratively with international artists such as Nathalie du Pasquier and Martino Gamper, to produce bespoke fittings and furniture tailor-made for the house.

In developing a considered and consistent approach to spatial organisation, material selection and detailing, the design aimed to bring a formal refinement to both interior and exterior spaces. Through a rich accumulation of details and design references, the intention has been to create an atmospheric backdrop for the art collection, one where the client and their visitors feel welcome, comfortable and inspired.