No. 45 CHELSEA SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

www.chelseasociety.org.uk charity no. 276264 July 2017 90 Not Out – Looking Forward to our Century JAMES THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN

In our 90th Anniversary Year we aim to do range of topics of these lectures, such that two things: maintain our traditions and there will always be one event a month. try out some new things. Our founders’ We are trying new things. We will be passion for the preservation of Chelsea offering our Annual Report to a wider

is still felt today: the best aspects of our public, starting with our advertisers and Libraries RBKC Credit: past should be cherished, and any change other Chelsea institutions, as a way of should be an improvement. telling them about Chelsea and about It is testimony to the dedication of the work of the Society, and gaining new Society members over 90 years that we are members. “Annual Report” is probably a flourishing organisation, always adapting not the most alluring of titles, which ourselves to new circumstances while still suggests it is just a financial statement. maintaining our traditions. For example, It might be more accurate to call it “The our Annual Report has been coming out Chelsea Society Review”, but I welcome since 1927, so we can be proud of this other suggestions on its content uninterrupted contact with our members and presentation. since the Society was founded. Past We are working hard to establish a copies are a treasure house of Chelsea permanent Chelsea Society Cricket team, history, and we are scanning them so and welcome volunteers. The intention is that they can be available on our website: to provide an entertaining game so that Reginal Blunt – Our founder www.chelseasociety.org.uk visitors to Chelsea can enjoy themselves, and learn more about the work of Our activities the Society. This Newsletter is a more recent Planning is done by a five-person CONTENTS Committee, with a representative for each innovation, started in 1993, now, at issue The King’s Road ...... 2 45, an established tradition. It is still printed of the four Chelsea wards of RBKC, and is Planning Report ...... 4 and distributed by post, as is the Annual chaired by Society Vice-Chairman Michael Report. Our Lectures have been well Stephen. It is sometimes assumed that Advertising ...... 8 attended, and this year we have had talks we are against all planning applications, Crossrail 2 Update ...... 9 (untrue, if you look at our Planning notes) on the Chelsea-based composer Peter Lorry Controls ...... 10 Warlock, on Cecil Beaton’s interior designs, and that we never say what we would the photography of luxury Chelsea approve of. To turn that round, we have The Changing River ...... 11 interiors and, branching further afield, introduced an Architecture Prize, to be Chelsea Pottery...... 12 Anglo-German diplomatic relationships. given to the best proposal for a new Obituaries...... 14 We have also arranged public meetings building on a site in Chelsea which needs Chelsea Society Summer Meeting...15 on planning, and RBKC finances. We are to be improved. As good neighbours, Dates for your Diary...... 16 attempting to increase the frequency and we will liaise with owners of the u

1 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY Chairman’s Report Kings Road

u sites concerned. events, meetings and the AGM takes up display them. To make our Events easier to book, much of the membership income. That is We will continue to mail out the ticketing is now done by Cadogan Hall. even after working hard to find advertisers Annual Report, and two Newsletters a year You can book by phone on 020 7730 for the Annual Report. Hence, we have to all members. In addition, we are also 5400, or go and visit them in person. You had to raise subscriptions for next year by sending notice of events by email. Those Credit: Paul Aitkenhead Paul Credit: can also book on the internet. Our next £5. The Lectures, Visits and Tours normally without emails will continue to get paper event is our Summer Party on Wednesday break even, or make a small contribution flyers, even though that method is much 5 July, which this year will also get you to our funds. more expensive. free entry earlier that afternoon to the Our biennial Exhibitions cost The Chelsea Society depends on its Masterpiece exhibition. £40,000 and require major support from Members. Volunteers are always welcome, clutter, but all existing impedimenta We offered Members a chance to sponsors, or otherwise they could not and can determine how much time they were kept and cemented in place and live like a Chelsea Artist, courtesy of The be contemplated. Given the immense wish to contribute. Suggesting events a regiment of bollards were installed to London Sketch Club. We will be doing effort involved, we will only do another and helping with them are always helpful protect the Yorkstone pavements. this again, with more emphasis on tutors Exhibition if we can produce a book or contributions. In terms of changing the streetscape leading a beginner’s class, and a guarantee record of some sort which we can sell to I hope to see you at the Summer Party for the better, the major steps forward that your efforts will not be shown to defray the costs. Having sounded that on 5th July. n were the Yorkstone paving and the anyone if that is your wish. warning, we are considering an Exhibition Facebook: “continuous pavement” across most of We have looked at the costs of our in 2018 on Chelsea Fashion. If you have https://www.facebook.com/ the side-road junctions. Although there activities in some detail, and found that exhibits we would be delighted to hear savethequeensheadchelsea was no attempt at decluttering – removal printing and sending out the Annual from you. The current plan is to have a Twitter: @savethequeens16 of unnecessary street furniture - we were Review, two Newsletters and flyers for Fashion Show together with Peter Jones to saved from a procession of pedestrian crossings with traffic signals. In 2010, the Council decided to Memorial at Corner of Sydney Street revisit King’s Road to remove the clutter, whether in a bus, in their cars or in taxis, whether , or especially guardrailing and signage, as well as an increasing amount of home the Chelsea Embankment. Changing Character of the King’s Road reduce the number of traffic lights by deliveries. incorporating them on lighting columns For much of the day there are probably Managing the future of MICHAEL BACH and to put in new lighting. There were just as many people walking up and down the King’s Road mixed views on the bollards – some the King’s Road as there are in vehicles. There is a feeling that the King’s Road people were attached to these “traditional” They need to be given space for walking is drifting and may have lost its way, impediments to parking on the pavement along the road, time and space to cross although not as badly as What sort of place do more likely acknowledge that it is the way – even though there was never a tradition the road or a place where people can just High Street, Gate or even of the world. So, what are the issues today we want it to be? of bollards and these were modern enjoy being there. There are not enough . There is no vision for the and what can we do about it? Recent issues of the Newsletter have “reproductions”. However, the cost of places to stop, rest and watch the world King’s Road – no group of people who focused on the changing character of taking them out was the deciding factor. go by. could produce a strategy and secure

Changing Streetscape Michael Bach Picture: Chelsea, especially that of the King’s The greatest concentration – the north But have we got the balance right yet? improvements. Kensington and Chelsea is Twenty years ago the King’s Road was a Road. People remember when many of side between Tryon Street and Bywater King’s Road, like many roads, have evolved surrounded by boroughs which do seek to mess. The pavements were mixture of the shops were independent and when Street - there are 17 bollards. Apart to accommodate traffic and have given guide the future of their centres, whether materials – mainly asphalt and concrete – the King’s Road was famous as one of the from being a significant obstruction to precedence, in terms of space and time, to through a town centre management and crossing the side roads was difficult as centres for fashion in the 1960s and 1970s. pedestrians, they do nothing to contribute moving vehicles. The raised “crossings” on group or business improvement district. many drivers were unaware of pedestrians Even 15 years ago, when we did a survey, to the relaxed atmosphere of the the side-road junctions have made things And it shows as even the most basic having priority. The Society proposed to our competitors were seen as Covent King’s Road. more comfortable for pedestrians, and the cleansing and janitorial management is the Council that there should be a single Garden. Who would they be now? removal of guardrailing has made King’s lacking, let alone marketing. paving material – York stone – and that Traffic Today the King’s Road, despite the Road more people friendly. Introducing In 2007 the Council adopted the report there should be a continuous pavement “curation” - carefully choosing the mix of Contrary to popular belief, the King’s Road signalled crossings – and especially of its Retail Commission, which included the length of the King’s Road as a result shops - by the Cadogan Estate, including does not carry much through traffic apart any associated guardrailing – would a proposal to manage the Borough’s of raised surfaces at nearly every junction. the incursion of more luxury brands, many from buses, as most through traffic uses be a backward step, although it would town centres – ten years later they are Work started in 1998. of the shops are part of national or even Cromwell Road and the Embankment. be ignored. still drifting, buffeted by the winds of the What that scheme did not do was to international chains. Nevertheless, the Nevertheless, in addition to buses, local We need to have a discussion about market. Perhaps the new Cabinet Member get rid of guardrailing around crossings King’s Road seems as busy as ever, but with traffic – residents, taxis and particularly King’s Road as a place to be in rather than for Planning and Transport, Councillor Tim and, particularly, guardrailing on “islands” a changing clientele. Only we recognise deliveries – makes up the bulk of the just as place to drive through or get out of. Ahern will take up the recommendations to “protect” pedestrians at major crossings. these changes, which we may regret but traffic. The King’s Road primarily serves But it is a more general issue which needs in the report he commissioned back Bollards obstacle course, King’s Road Indeed, it not only failed to reduce the to provide access for Chelsea residents to be applied to other parts of Chelsea, in 2007. n

THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 2 3 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY Planning Report Planning Report

may be expected to consider their role A. The use of the road the streets of Chelsea. They are not in the events leading up to the disaster, B. The appearance of the road properly maintained, and are often used and their response to it. C. Air quality as hoardings for unacceptable advertising. Planning Report On 3 July, the Conservative group For details see the Planning & The Planning Committee of the Society

of Councillors proposed Councillor Environment section of our website under has therefore objected to many of the Michael Bach Picture: MICHAEL STEPHEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE Elizabeth Campbell, of Royal Hospital “Infrastructure” and “Policy” recent applications for additional kiosks. Ward, as the new Leader of the Council. The Society was pleased to see Heathrow Airport that RBKC had made Key Decision A case has been made by business Summary of Planning issues dealt New member of the 05020/17/P/A to make application to interests for a third runway at Heathrow, with in detail on our website: the Secretary of State for a Regulation 7 Planning Committee but the Council of the Society has resolved www.Chelseasociety.org.uk Direction to remove deemed advertising Patrick Baty has retired as member of to oppose this because its mandate is to consent for the display of advertisements

Picture: Michael Bach Picture: the Committee for Stanley Ward, and protect the quality of life of the people on public call boxes outside conservation has been replaced by Laura Carrara- of Chelsea, which would be adversely areas, with an implementation date of 24 Cagni, who is an architect. We thank affected by many more flights over April 2017. Chelsea, creating more noise and air The Chelsea Society is appalled by the Patrick for his service, and welcome pollution, and increasing the risk of a devastation caused by the fire at Grenfell Laura as a member of the Committee. catastrophic accident over a very densely Tower, and sends its sincere condolences Meet the Planners populated area. The Society consulted to the people affected and their families. its members by e-mail on 16th May, The Society welcomes the On 10 April at a meeting attended and only one member communicated Government’s commitment to a public by about 50 members, Mr. Graham the contrary view. The Society has inquiry chaired by a judge, and we will Stallwood, Executive Director of responded accordingly to the government campaign for any changes which may Planning and Borough Development of consultation. be necessary for tower blocks having RBKC, and Cllr. Tim Coleridge, Cabinet- regard to those findings. The Society member for Planning Policy and Arts, also expresses its support for those who explained the roles of the professional are dealing with the aftermath of this planners and the elected Councillors in dreadful tragedy in our Borough. planning the Chelsea of the future. The Society also encourages its Link BT Credit: members to contribute to the relief funds RBKC Finances which have been established, such as On 22 May we held a discussion with through the Big Give www.biggive.org. Cllr. Warwick Lightfoot, Cabinet-member uk/grenfell where your donation will be for Finance and Strategy at RBKC, who matched and Gift Aid added. explained how the Council collects, The Government has appointed spends, and invests our money. Sir Martin Moore-Bick as chairman of the public Inquiry, which will consider The King’s Road the cause of the fire, why it spread, In the 1960s the rather bohemian and what might have been done to character of Chelsea attracted Le Colombier prevent it or mitigate its consequences. entrepreneurs and designers like Mary In our view the Inquiry should also Quant to the King’s Road, and it became Le Colombier consider the specification and testing – together with Carnaby Street in the of materials which are used in many West End, the focus of the pop-culture, Restaurant, 145 tower blocks in many cities, and make attracting young people from all over Dovehouse Street recommendations for any amendment the world. However, like all fashions, RBKC did not confirm the Article 4 this one has passed into history, but the of the national building regulations and Grenfell Tower looming over direction, and the owner has made a fire regulations which may be necessary. King’s Road still has a reputation which BT Link Telephone Kiosk renewed application (PP/17/03362) for The Inquiry should also consider be made by central government to give Holgate, on 19 June, and on 30 June of attracts people from all over the world change of use to include 3 x 2-bed flats. what lessons can be learned from the immediate help to local authorities who the Leader of the Council, Councillor to its shops, pubs and coffee-bars, and Telephone Kiosks This application is very similar to the 2012 immediate response to the disaster by may be overwhelmed by a disaster of this Paget-Brown, the Deputy Leader, generates income for local businesses. application which was refused by the The Society considers that in the age the fire service, the health service, and magnitude. Councillor Feilding-Mellen, and the Chief The Chelsea Society has identified Council’s Planning Committee and, when of the mobile phone there are far too by the local authority and others, and The tragic fire led to the resignations Executive of the Tenant Management a number of issues which need to appealed in 2013, was dismissed by the many ugly telephone kiosks cluttering whether further arrangements need to of the Council’s Chief Executive, Nicholas Organisation, Robert Black. The Inquiry be addressed: Inspector. The Chelsea Society has u

THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 4 5 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY Planning Report Planning Report

u objected to this new application help and might even make things the Thames Path at the busy junction on the ground that the restaurant is an worse. They undertook to show us Thames Tideway Tunnel between the northern end of Battersea important facility for the local community the studies on which they based this and Counters Creek Bridge and the Embankment. In addition which could not continue to function Auriens Credit: conclusion, but so far have not done Storm Relief Sewer TfL are also trying to improve pedestrian during the proposed development works, so. TfL have been asked to monitor safety at the junctions of Chelsea nor if the space available for restaurant and report on the flow of traffic Tideway have completed preparatory Embankment/Oakley Street and Chelsea and/or kitchen use were to be reduced. affected by the current temporary works at Cremorne Wharf by levelling the Embankment/Chelsea Bridge Road. In addition, the proposed works would closure of Basil Street. site. A Public Consultation in advance of Also for protecting pedestrians crossing constitute over-development of this a formal planning application by Thames the lower part of the Earls Court One- property, and the works would cause Cadogan Pier and Water to create a Counters Creek Storm Way System. massive disruption in this congested area, Relief Sewer (to take extra sewerage from Chelsea Reach Fulham, Hammersmith and Kensington) close to two important hospitals. Proposed luxury retirement housing on site of Thamesbrook, Dovehouse Street Lots Road Area: The issue of residential moorings and has been pending for many months. The Queen’s Head The Society has also submitted traffic consultants engaged by Cadogan, larger boats continues. Employment detailed observations on the drawings and and Councillor Coleridge. Streetscape The RBKC Property Services Team is still Public House, specifications. TfL confirmed that the priority at the Christchurch Solar Improvements/Protection seeking to override the Local Plan and Tryon Street Sloane Street/Knightsbridge intersection Panels the protected status of employment land Thamesbrook was the East-West flow along the A4. for Pedestrians in the Lots Road Employment Zone by The Society supported an application to We assisted the church in amending The Planning Application (PP/17/00583) They offered to look at alternative Under the FOI procedure we have assuming that their newly-purchased RBKC to designate the pub as an “Asset their application to meet the to redevelop this site was granted on lay-outs for the junction, but were not established that TfL will very belatedly commercial space in Lots Road North will of Community Value” (which restricts the concerns of the Planning Department 20th April 2017 by 8 votes to 5 to convert optimistic that a better solution could conduct a public consultation exercise largely be given over to housing rather permitted development rights which (including a roof-top visit) and the Thamesbrook into 55 luxury “retirement be found. They assured us that the in 2017/18 in preparation for providing than enhancing the creative industries the owner would otherwise have), and revised application has now been living apartments”. The Society’s position junction is under real-time surveillance, some protection for pedestrians using cluster in the immediate area. n it was listed as ACV for 5 years on 10 approved. is at http://chelseasociety.org.uk/ that traffic light timing changes can be November 2016. thamesbrook/ The Council has sold this made if warranted and that any vehicles Planning permission was granted 1A Walton Street property to Auriens (www.auriens.com) obstructing the carriageway can be on 27 February 2017 subject to a s.106 - a company that specialises in luxury quickly identified and dealt with. Council officials have rejected Agreement. retirement housing – described as a RBKC officials argued that the the planning application for the Cineworld Cinema 279 “£200m “luxury lifestyle concept” scheme carriageway of Sloane Street could construction of a large basement in Chelsea aimed at “high net worth be narrowed without any deleterious at 1A Walton Street, the old court Kings Road perennials” looking for “later lux life”. effect on the flow of buses, but their house. This was a hugely controversial The cinema has now closed and Auriens plans to build a new, high- analysis seemed to be a static one, project which would have caused planning permission has been given quality building in the heart of London’s i.e. without taking any account of the massive disruption and traffic for the demolition of the existing Chelsea, specifically designed to meet effect of parked, loading or waiting dislocation and it generated a high building and the construction of a new the needs of those in later life. The new vehicles, of which there are many in number of objections, including from mixed-use building including retail development will also include fully Sloane Street throughout the day. They The Chelsea Society and the three (Use Class A1), cinema (Use Class D2) integrated care and health facilities, a first- acknowledged that the parking bays Ward Councillors. and residential units (Use Class C3). A class restaurant, hydrotherapy pool, spa, which they want to install on both sides Lots Road Power Construction Traffic Management Plan gym, private members’ club, café, gardens, of the street might protrude somewhat has been provided to RBKC. See http:// library, consulting rooms and cinema. The into the carriageway. Station chelseasociety.org.uk/cineworld- scheme will commence this summer, with Following the meeting the Chairman The contractors for the Chinese cinema/ doors expected to open to residents at the of the Planning Committee has written developers of the Chelsea side of The planning consultants have been end of 2019. to Councillor Coleridge recording the the site are still working to stabilise requested to liaise with the owners of the points on which further information was the hulk of the Power Station itself Curzon cinema on the King’s Road, which Sloane Street promised and re-iterating the Society’s (having long since removed the is also being redeveloped, to minimise The Society’s position is at http:// view that the carriageway should not be roof structure) so are nowhere near the period that both cinemas are closed. chelseasociety.org.uk/sloane-street/ made any narrower than it currently is building the apartments which will On 11 May the Society’s Chairman, the between Basil Street and Harriet Street; trigger release of section 106 funds, Royal Brompton Chairman of the Planning Committee and and that any parking bays in this section although extension of the Thames Hospital the Planning Committee member for the should be confined to the western side. Path is still promised on both sides of Brompton and Hans Town Ward had a site- The traffic consultants claimed that The Society’s position on this issue is at the site. Meanwhile the Fulham side meeting at the north end of the street with their studies showed that any alternative http://chelseasociety.org.uk/brompton- of the site is being built up using Lots representatives of the Cadogan Estate, arrangement, such as making Basil hospital-community-liaison-group/ Road for all construction vehicles. Transport for London, RBKC officials, the Street one way westbound, would not Lots Road Power Station

THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 6 7 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY Advertising Crossrail2

u channel/Adshel to JCDecaux. The new contract also includes digital Advertisements on the advertising screens. You will have noticed these

screens – they went in last October, Michael Bach Picture: but unfortunately Clear Channel, who King’s Road: a sorry saga lost the contract, took away their MICHAEL BACH shelters. Although JCDecaux were ready to put in their new screens, none of the new bus shelters were ready – as a result we had to do The King’s Road is suffering an onslaught We may have passed “peak phone” – without both shelters and the seats, of advertisement panels. that market is saturated and many people but we do have the free-standing First it was “advertphones” – JCDecaux have mobile phones, but have we yet screens! The Council’s contract with advertisement panels with a BT telephone reached “peak adverts”? JCDecaux includes new shelters and

on the back in 2012. More recently came Michael Bach Picture: free maintenance and the Council the JCDecaux digital advertisement panels How did this happen? will receive £962,000 a year plus tucked under the end of bus shelters – In the early 1980s the Government an undisclosed share of the profits. some owned by Transport for London sought to encourage competition to BT’s Ten of these shelters with digital and others by the Royal Borough. Even monopoly of public telephone kiosks, advertisements are in the King’s Road more recently there have been proposals by enabling any telephone company to and a further 10 elsewhere in Chelsea. for another crop telephone kiosks with put telephone kiosks in the pavement large advert panels on the back by without planning consent and, as long Council needs to be Maximum Networks. Fortunately, these as the footprint of the kiosk was no more Digital screens on bus shelters were all refused by the Council. Now than 1.5sqm (about the size of a BT kiosk), able to take control there is another one from New World no planning consent would be required The cumulative effect of the Payphones, with Clearchannel to replace for the kiosk. The Council had little or no telephone kiosks with digital Whilst the bus shelters are a done telephones, merely selling more existing kiosks with new ones with a control, except if they were poorly sited or advertisements and the digital deal, we need to get the Council and advertising space. The Government large advertisement panel on the back. harmed amenity. This resulted in a surge advertisement screens on bus our MP to tackle the Government needs to give the Council new powers New World Payphones withdrew their of telephone kiosks – so many that the shelters has changed the look of the about the invasion of adverts through to control both additional telephone applications on 22 June. They may be Council called a halt to further kiosks in the King’s Road in the last 5 years and telephone companies who are not kiosks and the spread of digital back and there are others waiting to enter King’s Road. Digital screens on bus shelters there could be more to come. really interested in providing more advertising panels. n the market. In 1980 both London Transport and the phones had already been rejected. BT/ Royal Borough entered separate contracts JCDecaux chose about 60 sites in the with Clear Channel Adshel for all the bus Borough, which led to 41 applications. shelters in the King’s Road. These shelters The planning officers proposed allowing Crossrail 2: Update had limited advertising, at most two panels 25 and refusing 16, but the Planning MICHAEL BACH Picture: Michael Bach Picture: inside the shelters with paper posters. Committee refused them all. The Around 2000, there was a move to change developers appealed 25 cases, and these adverts to back-lit, scrolling adverts. succeeded on 20 of these. This resulted in Crossrail 2 was not included in the densities in Kingston and Wimbledon and Unconfirmed rumours suggest that a Since 2000, it has been clear that seven of these advertphones from Sloane Government’s Election manifesto which to reduce overcrowding on radial services plan with no station on King’s Road was we have far too many telephone kiosks, Square and World’s End. especially as more and more people had gave rise to speculation about the future to Central London, and especially at major used to test the “with station” option. mobile phones. In 2007 BT/JCDecaux Invasion of digital of the project. No announcement has London stations. The Mayor aims to open On 26 June the Mayor launched first came up with advertphones, but the been made by the Government about Crossrail 2 by 2033. a consultation on raising a significant Council refused 11 applications. All were advertising screens their assessment of the viability of the The Mayor’s Draft Transport Strategy proportion of the funding through a appealed and dismissed. Six of these were In 2015 Transport for London entered into project as concerns had been expressed was launched on 21 June and is open to new Mayor Community Infrastructure for the King’s Road the biggest bus shelter advertisement about the overall cost of the project and consultation until 2 October. Crossrail 2 Levy on proposals for new offices, shops In 2012, BT and JCDecaux approached contract in the world with JCDecaux how it would be financed. Considerable is one of the key projects (Consultation and hotel developments from April 2019. the Council offering to remove some of – worth £300m – to put large, digital pressure has been put on the Government Question 3) and a whole section is It would appear that the snap their existing phones in exchange for advertising screens as a bookend to their by the Mayor, London First, London devoted to it “Focus on Crossrail 2” (pages election has set back the timetable being allowed to put in advertphones. bus shelters. At much the same time Chamber of Commerce and others, to 73-75 and Proposal 56), still showing of the project by a year, which could Unfortunately, someone forgot that these the Council changed their contract for open up areas for London’s growth, King’s Road Chelsea as a station, although add a further £2 billion to the £31 Advert phone their 80 bus shelters from Clear u such as the Upper Lea Valley, to increase the footnotes say “subject to change”. billion project. n

THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 8 9 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY Traffic Control Waterside Development

London Lorry Control Scheme Review The Changing River Picture: Michael Bach Picture: MICHAEL BACH MICHAEL BACH

Before the 1981 Greater London Council elections, traffic campaigners led locally by West London Traffic Reform, Chelsea Society and Cheyne Walk Trust, secured a commitment from the Labour Party to introduce a “night and weekend lorry ban”, not just for the Earl’s Court One-Way System and the Chelsea Embankment, but for the whole of London. The proposed controls were the subject of a full public inquiry which concluded in 1985, shortly before the and hours of control to reflect Embankment – would be directly affected GLC was abolished by the Government, advances in vehicle design and the by any changes. The Cheyne Walk Trust and led to the introduction of controls changing needs of London’s economy. has been critical of the current levels of on heavy goods vehicles driving through Unfortunately, the review to date has enforcement and the continuing noise or making deliveries within London. The been one-sided – primarily reflecting and vibration experienced at nights and View of Chelsea aim was to minimise noise pollution in the views of the freight industry – weekends. Tougher standards and better residential areas during unsocial hours although it is recognised that wider, enforcement head their list of demands. Only when we see old photographs or The view of Chelsea deserves greater Riverside Housing: through restricting heavy lorries to targeted public engagement is needed, The Council now needs to engage with Hugh Krall’s paintings and drawings recognition – it is a unique panorama The branding of riverside housing designated routes. using “borough contacts and networks local residents to help improve the design of the changing river at Chelsea from – one of the few relatively unspoilt developments, or any new development, This scheme has been run for the to help progress and develop the and working of the London Lorry Control the early 1990s can we appreciate how townscapes or urban riverscapes. It does is a specialised business – the main last 30 years by the grouping of London recommendations”. Scheme to secure reduced impact of much views have changed. not have the grandeur of the Central problem is recognising the brand. Boroughs – now known as London Chelsea – especially the One-Way heavy lorries at night and at weekends There is a big difference, however, London Thames nor the semi-rural nature We now have Chelsea Island, “London’s Councils. Last year, they decided to review System and Cheyne Walk and Chelsea within the Royal Borough. n between the view of Chelsea and the of riverscapes further west. This deserves latest high-end waterside development” the scheme, its purpose and the impact view from Chelsea. The view of Chelsea greater recognition in the protection it by the www.hadleypropertygroup. it has on the delivery of goods and has of course changed greatly from should get from the planning system – com/properties/chelsea-island is on services in London. It was to assess the Canaletto view which was dominated by both by the Mayor and by the Council. It a peninsula on the east side of Chelsea effectiveness of the scheme, including its the Royal Hospital, and the later paintings needs protection from the “background” Creek. It is a boutique development of “just impact on the freight industry, business of a busy waterfront, boatyards and buildings – the Holiday Inn on Cromwell 89 private apartments and penthouses”. It and the benefits to London residents. I several riverside pubs, most of which Road dominates the view north from is designed to be exclusive, unconnected was invited to represent London residents was swept aside by the Bazalgette’s Battersea Bridge – but also needs more with anything else, but nevertheless Picture: Michael Bach Picture: affected by the scheme. Embankment in 1873. protection from what is done on the other borrowing the “Chelsea” tag to provide The key findings of the review so far are: But the panorama of Chelsea seen side of the river. some authenticity for what is an essentially • there is a lack of awareness and from Battersea looks, like a well-preserved But it is the view from Chelsea that placeless development. Prices range understanding of the scheme, which is 18th century townscape with the Chelsea also needs to be tackled. Almost all from £935,000 for a 1-bedroom flat, often thought to be a “ban”; Old Church as its focus, interspersed with the industrial heritage of Battersea has from £1,450,000 for 2-bedrooms, from • there are technologies that could late-19th and early 20th century mansion disappeared, to be replaced by offices £2,300,000 for 3 bedrooms improve the operation of the scheme blocks. Its industrial buildings, like and modern blocks of flats, larger in scale and that noise standards should be Chelsea Flour Mills and, of course, Lots and of a different character to the Chelsea Water Gardens- developed to transform the way Road Power Station are in the process of Riverside. The Royal Borough seems to the scheme operates. Improved being “regenerated”, but the view will be take little interest in the Chelsea Riverside Chelsea Waterfront compliance could be secured through dominated by the new towers either side on the basis that is completely covered www.chelseawaterfront.com/website/ CCTV and number plate recognition; of Chelsea Creek. Only Cremorne Wharf by conservation areas, the most recent Water%20Gardens.html covers Lots and remains unaltered. The World’s End/ being that for the Lots Road area. The Road Power Station and the East Tower in • the freight industry wants to reassess Cremorne Estate is the main 20th century future of Cremorne Wharf and its potential Chelsea, whilst the West Tower and several the controls on routes, weight limits Foreshore walk; September 2016 contribution. redevelopment are a matter for concern. other blocks are in Fulham. u

THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 10 11 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY u u Diar, the developers, told a resident’s Thames Walk meeting on 27th June that sixty per cent All the “photographs” of the completed Chelsea Pottery (1952-1997) of the first dwellings had been sold. These Membership Fees development show three footbridges MICHAEL BACH are flats in blocks across the road from the crossing Chelsea Creek. The largest, which infirmary of the Royal Hospital, and houses, will come from Lots Road immediately to on a scale that would not be out of place in the east of the Lots Road Power Station The Chelsea Pottery opened in 1952 at an era – but it was just part of “cleansing” , in two nearby, facing terraces. (now rebranded as the “Metropolitan 13 Radnor Walk, formerly the premises process by which “low value” uses such as The developers expect the whole Building”) is supposed to link up with the of a coach builder, was the brainchild the pottery were squeezed out of Chelsea. of the northern end of the site to be Thames Path in Fulham, but the plans do of David Rawnsley. The concept was The story of the Chelsea Pottery mirrors complete by the end of next year and all not show this. Increase in membership fees: 2018 a studio where painters and sculptors the fate of Chelsea in the second half detailed planning permissions for the rest At a meeting of the Council on the 13th December 2016 it was agreed to increase the could work alongside each other, rather of the 20th century, blossoming in the of it to be agreed by the same date. Two Thames Bridges Membership Fees as follows: than as a commercial pottery. However, 1960s Swinging London they are now restaurants underneath the first blocks of A few years ago, there was a proposal although popular, it was not a viable collectors items. flats are intended to add activity to what for pedestrian and cycle bridge close to • Single members from £15 to £20 business model, so he set up the Rawnsley will otherwise be a place more opulent Battersea Railway Bridge running from • Household membership from £20 to £30 Academy where people of all ages could than vibrant. The old Guards Chapel, now Lombard Wharf in Battersea to Imperial learn pottery. undergoing repair, will be in the hands of a The fees have not been increased for many years but our costs keep rising. We are Wharf. Now rebranded as the Diamond Chelsea trust and may become an art centre. working hard to save on overheads and try to e-mail members rather than write Jubilee Bridge, it was won a poll by readers In a departure from normal practice, to them. If you have an e-mail address but do not receive any from us please let of Building Design readers as a clear Qatari Diar have invited an array of us know. favorite for the next Thames crossing. It is Barracks architects to design what is, in effect, a likely to be paid for by contributions from Under the terms of The Direct Debit Guarantee we are required to advise you of this TERENCE BENDIXSON new neighbourhood. Michael Squire has a number development schemes and from done the first flats and PDP (formerly Paul increase to your Direct Debit which will take effect from 1 January 2018. the Mayor. It could happen quickly if it gets Davies) the first houses. Eric Parry and Piercy Mayoral support – it is a proposal in the The new Chelsea Barracks, an enclave & Company (architects for the new North Mayor’s Transport Strategy published on for the very rich plus a fringe of shared- Kensington library) will come in later. Most 21 June. n ownership and affordable flats along of them produce very sleek, pared-down Ebury Bridge Road, is beginning to take modern buildings but give their houses shape. A marbled marketing suite of proportions that are familiar and first-floor Pharaonic grandeur is open for business in windows that have balconies. n Ranelagh Grove and agents for Qatari u

Bohemian crowd at the pottery in 1960’s

By the 1960s the Chelsea Pottery had become very fashionable, from pottery depicting lawyers, fish, birds, animals, and women’s portraits. I remember buying some bowls in the mid-1960s, which made original Christmas presents. Much later, in 1991, my daughter took her GCE O Level pottery under the guidance of the formidably strict Mrs James. Over the years, the fortunes of the Chelsea Pottery fluctuated, mainly due to events beyond their control – inflation, recessions, fluctuating exchange rates – bringing a number of financial crises. In 1994, quite suddenly, the Chelsea Pottery Battersea Riverside was forced to close. It felt like the end of Chelsea Barracks plan CGI of Chelsea Barracks from Chelsea Bridge Road

THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 12 13 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY Obituaries Chelsea Society Events Obituaries: MICHAEL BACH All Pictures: Michael Bach All Pictures:

David Le Lay Paul David Le Lay, Chairman of the Chelsea Society for 22 years, died on 17 January. Aitkenhead The funeral service, on 4 February, at St Luke’s filled the church. The eulogy, It is with great regret that the Society by David’s successor as chairman, Stuart announces the death on 5 May 2017 of serving on the Planning Committee. Corbin, presented David’s wide range of Paul Aitkenhead. Paul lived in Draycott However, David saved his involvement interests, and will form part of the obituary Avenue and was a member of the Council Chelsea Society Summer Meeting for the big cases – such as Lots Road in the next Annual Report. of the Society since 2012. He had also been Power Station where he persuaded the David’s time as chairman was marked a member of the Planning Committee of RBKC Planning Committee to refuse the by a succession of exhibitions, ever more the Society for Hans-Brompton Ward until at Masterpiece: 5 July application, against the wishes of the ambitious, and two conferences on the retiring due to his health. MICHAEL BACH Council’s leadership, and spoke for the future of Chelsea. David set up and chaired Paul’s most recent concerns were the Society at the public inquiry. Although special sub-committees to coordinate the condition of the King’s Road, especially he helped persuade the Inspector to dedicated team to deliver the event. David the neglect, lack of cleansing and the lack recommend dismissing the appeal, it This year’s summer meeting was was famous for his lectures and Chelsea of bins, the bus shelter fiasco where the was allowed by the Secretary of State. held at the Masterpiece 2017 London walks – all part of the Society’s mission to Clearchannel shelters disappeared along David was strongly against tall buildings, event in massive temporary structure make people aware of Chelsea’s history. with any seating only to be replaced by especially along the Thames, and gave on the South Grounds of the Royal As a practicing architect, often working “garden furniture”. evidence to a Government Select Hospital. Masterpiece London, in Chelsea, he debarred himself from He was known as a collector of Committee on Tall Buildings. antiquarian books and of antiquarian launched in 2010, sees itself as “the A major showdown involved the umbrellas. He could be found in pursuit most imaginative and glamorous art proposed new infirmary at the Royal of umbrellas at, for instance, Criterion and antiques fair in the world” and “an Hospital. David called a special Council Auctions in Upper Street, Islington and, unmissable event at the height of the meeting to discuss this very controversial when they needed repairs, he took them capital’s summer arts season”. case, which resulted in the Society to that famous shop in New Oxford Street/ Members who bought tickets at The long walk to the entrance Picture: Michael Bach Picture: objecting strongly to the scheme, but High Holborn which has been selling £25 each were able to stroll round the also the resignation of our President, Lord walking sticks and the like since the dazzling display of art, jewellery and antiques targeted at an international Salisbury, our Hon Secretary and our Hon 19th century. n Treasurer. The final outcome, however, market of people wanting expensive vindicated the stance we took. pieces of art, sculpture, and furniture to David provided strong leadership for add the final touches to their London Paul and Penny Knapman the Society and promoted it as an active “home” or to take “home” to one of player in preserving the character of their other homes. It was a meeting Chelsea. n place for dealers and their clients in a convivial and exclusive atmosphere. It was a large display of luxury goods for an international elite. The Chelsea Society wine bar After admiring the exhibits about 100 Chelsea Society members met in a special enclosure for a wine reception. The pictures shown right try to capture the setting. David Le Lay Damian Greenish, Jennifer Grossman and Christopher Lenon Rubbish in the King’s Road

THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 14 15 THE CHELSEA SOCIETY Dates for your Diary

Dates:

Date Event Location

5 July Summer Party* Masterpiece, South Grounds, Royal Hospital

18-29 September Local Plan Examination in Public Kensington Town Hall 25 September Meeting with Chelsea Residents’ Chelsea Town Hall Associations 9 October The Royal Yacht Britannia ; Chelsea Town Hall Commodore Morrow* 30 October Autumn Lecture* Chelsea Town Hall 20 November Annual General Meeting Chelsea Town Hall

* Events requiring tickets

Bookings: Bookings for Chelsea Society events, visits and lectures will be administered by Cadogan Hall. You can book by: • Phone on 0207-730-4500 and pay by card • Sending a cheque payable to Cadogan Hall, Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ • Visiting the Box Office in person. Box Office hours are Monday-Saturday 10.00-18.00.

Get in Touch

We want to be able to communicate with you, especially so we can alert you when we need your support. If you have not yet done so please send your email address to Allan Kelly at [email protected] We are able to print and distribute this Newsletter three times in each year, but the Society’s website is updated on a regular basis. If you want to see the latest news, do visit our website at least once a week at http://chelseasociety.org.uk/ Our website is at: www.chelseasociety.org.uk This Newsletter was edited by Michael Bach: michaelbach@madasafish. com The page layout was composed by Nicko Dalton, [email protected], www.nicko.me The newsletter printing was undertaken by: The London Printing Company The views expressed in this Newsletter are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the Chelsea Society.

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THE CHELSEA SOCIETY 16