Published: Wednesday 11 September 2019
An annual event that sees some of London’s best buildings open their doors to the public is back for 2019 – and visitors can get an inside look at several of Kensington’s architectural treasures.
Taking place over the weekend of 21-22 September, Open House London celebrates the capital’s urban design and infrastructure by providing free access to more than 800 buildings, walks and talks.
Kensington and Chelsea will be playing its part by welcoming guests to 25 of its brilliant buildings – including 18 Stafford Terrace and Leighton House, both close to Holland Park and operated by Kensington and Chelsea Council.
The 19th Century Leighton House was the studio home of Lord Leighton, President of the Royal Academy, and houses a fascinating collection of Victorian art – including works by Leighton himself.
18 Stafford Terrace, also known as Linley Sambourne House, was the home of Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne and his family and is recognised as the best surviving example of a late Victorian middle-class home in the UK.
Tickets to see 18 Stafford Terrace as part of London Open House have sold out, but if you missed out and want to explore the property, it’s open as a museum on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Other Open House London highlights for visitors to Kensington and Chelsea include the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the National Army Museum and the Embassies of Slovakia and Estonia.
Visit the Open House London website for more information about the weekend’s events. Paper copies of the programme can be found in Kensington Central Library.