In our area
21st May '11
If you are planning a visit to Chelsea Lighting Design, we thought it may be useful for you to know of other places of interest and events in our immediate area. The new Saatchi Gallery, historic Royal Hospital, Chelsea Physic Garden and the National Army Museum are all within a few minutes walk.
PLACES OF INTEREST
The Saatchi Gallery [10 minutes walk]
The new Saatchi Gallery opened in a blaze of publicity on 9th October 2008 in the former Duke of York's Headquarters at the Sloane Square end of Kings Road.
With its imposing portico of doric columns, this was the former 'Royal Military Asylum for the Children of Soldiers' of the Regular Army' built 1801-3 in the reign of George III, by architect John Sanders. It is built on the site of the manor house that had previously been the seat of the Cadogan family. John Sanders was a pupil of John Soane and was later to become famous as the architect of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in 1811.
Similar in detail to Sir Christopher Wen's Royal Hospital close by, the building was listed as of architectural and historic interest, 'Grade II' in 1967.
In 1909 the Territorials made it their headquarters for Greater London and the parade ground is often used as a playing field by boys from Hill House prep school.
In this fine historic building the maze of interior spaces has been stripped away to reveal the underlying geometry and create 15 spacious new galleries on three floors. They are white, sparely finished and well lit, with extensive use of top-lighting providing a uniform background with accent lighting pushing through. The result is bright and functional, with generous and well-proportioned spaces effectively understated to display the artwork in a pure way, without distraction or interference.
It promises to be a huge and permanent success and a place where anyone can see, experience and debate the emergence of new artistic ideas, for free.
Open daily 10am-6pm. Information: 020 7823 2363
Duke of York's HQ, Kings Road, London, SW3 4SQ [ Just off Sloane Square ]
www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk Admission Free
Royal Hospital [5 minutes walk]
Founded by King Charles II and intended for the 'succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war', the Royal Hospital, with its Grade 1 listed buildings, still serves its original purpose.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1692, the Royal Hospital has changed little in its long history. From its distinctive red brick exterior and extensive grounds to its beautifully designed interiors, the Royal Hospital remains a remarkable and historic site.
The construction of the new infirmary for the Pensioners is a statement of the intention to continue to further its role well into the 21st century.
The Royal Hospital has an operational Post Office, open to the public Monday to Friday. Entrance through Chelsea Gate.
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4SR
www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk
National Army Museum [5 minutes walk]
The museum covers the history of the British army from the Norman Conquest up to and including its present role in peace-keeping throughout the world.
Complementing four permanent gallery displays, the Museum offers an extensive programme of exhibitions, events and activities to help all visitors enjoy new experiences each time they visit.
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea London, SW3 4HT
www.national-army-museum.ac.uk
Chelsea Physic Garden [7 minutes walk]
The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded by the Society of Apothecaries in 1673 in order to promote the study of botany in relation to medicine, then known as the "physic" or healing arts. As the second oldest botanic garden in England it still fulfils the traditional functions of scientific research and plant conservation and undertakes to educate and inform as well as to provide the amenity of a walled "secret" garden in the heart of London.
Chelsea Lighting Design were invited recently to design a lighting scheme for the Study Area in which young people are encouraged and taught about all aspects of plants and planting.
66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London. SW3 4HS
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
EVENTS IN THE AREA
BADA Antiques and Art Fair at Duke of York's Square [Off Sloane Square] SW3.
21st - 27th March 2012
Gathering of leading antiques dealers, all members of the British Antique Dealers Association with all items for sale. Admission by ticket.
www.bada-antiques-fair.co.uk
The Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show 2011
24th - 28th May 2011
The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London
This internationally renowned annual "Garden Show" moved to Chelsea and was renamed in 1913, when it was first held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital. The Chelsea Flower Show has taken place at the Royal Hospital almost every year since.
www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea
