A unique group of artists’ studios in Kensington built in the 19th Century has been named as one of the most "intriguing places" of 2017.
Pembroke Studios (nos 1-13) has been used by many artists since it was built in 1890-91, including David Hockney, and was granted Grade II listing by Historic England in June.
Now the public body has included the studios in its 20 Intriguing Places list for 2017.
Historic England says the distinctive red brick building in Pembroke Gardens is a “compact, beautifully-tailored and unique group of artists’ studios” which is nestled in the heart of Kensington, and has a Queen Anne-style gatehouse.
West London's heartwarming stories
The double height studios are north-lit with large windows to capture the light.
It was a hit with artists in the late 19th Century when there was a sharp rise in the number of artists’ studios.
Many artists worked there, and Hockney featured the studios in a number of his paintings.
Numerous other artists, designers and related professionals have lived and worked in the studios, including Gertrude Wadsworth, Herbert James Draper, Byam Shaw, Joseph Crosland McClure, Jess Lawson Peacey, Julian Phelps Allan, Donald Gilbert, Oliffe Richmond, Franta Belsky, Michael Andrews, architect Serban Cantacuzino, Bernard Cohen, photojournalist John Raymond Garrett and Henry Korda.
A prehistoric timber trackway, a gravestone to a war horse and the gardens where Billy Butlin opened his first holiday camp are among the more unusual historic sites making the top 20 list.
In total, 1,041 historic buildings, landscapes, monuments and sites have been given protected status in the past year, the government’s heritage agency said.
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s chief executive, said: “Ninety nine per cent of people in England live within a mile of a listed building or place.
“While many places on the list are well known and even world famous, we also want people to understand and enjoy the extraordinary range of history on their own doorsteps.
“These sites are irreplaceable and showcase the wonderfully distinct and diverse character of England and its people across thousands of years.”
Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.
You can even set it to receive push notifications for all the breaking news in your area
Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android now.
