Friday, October 14, 2005

Brunswick House Grand Opening


Brunswick House in Vauxhall was the centre of attention last Wednesday as its new owners, LASSCO (The London Architectural Salvage & Supply Co.), hosted a Grand Soirée in celebration of its official opening.

Based on Vauxhall’s famous Pleasure Gardens, the Soirée echoed the sumptuous elegance of mid 18th century Georgian England and the heyday of Brunswick House. Sumptuous fare, live classical music and period costume combined to create an atmosphere of effortless charm and elegance.

The evening was a huge success attracting many of the capital’s movers and shakers. In particular, English Heritage, who, from the beginning, have played a pivotal role in the restoration of this grand building and indeed will continue to do so. Timothy Jones, Historic Buildings Inspector at English Heritage, said:

“Brunswick House is a unique survival of the Thames side villas which once characterised this part of London and an important local landmark, the only reminder of the historic character of a part of Lambeth which has been altered out of recognition by nineteenth century industrialisation and post war development.

Until LASSCO acquired the building in 2004 the future of this once elegant building looked bleak indeed. Squatters had wreaked havoc on its fine interior and most of its chimneypieces and other features of interest had been stolen. It was first included on our Buildings at Risk Register in 2003.

English Heritage is delighted to have become involved in this exciting project at such an early stage. Over the next three years we look forward to working with Lambeth Council and the project architect, Giles Quarme, to help restore one of the most prominent listed buildings in the borough to its original splendour.”



LASSCO will continue to trade from Brunswick House throughout its restoration, providing not only much needed financial impetus but the opportunity for customers and the public alike to witness the work in progress.

Adrian Amos, the founder of LASSCO and owner of Brunswick House, said, “Brunswick House now stands as an important reminder of Vauxhall’s elegant past and as a counterpoint to the gargantuan developments that now surround it – a relic of an older and more glorious London.”