Debenham House

Debenham House is a residential building with Art Nouveau design located at 8 Addison Road in Holland Park. The exterior features distinctive royal blue and green Burmantofts bricks alongside Royal Doulton Carrara walls, while the interior preserves marble fireplaces, mahogany bookcases, and custom light switches from the Birmingham Guild of Handicraft.

The building was constructed between 1905 and 1907 by architect Halsey Ricardo for Ernest Ridley Debenham, owner of a major department store chain. This project emerged during a period when craft quality and artistic design gained importance in residential architecture.

The house displays works by William De Morgan and Edward Schroeder Prior, with mosaics by Gaetano Meo that blend family portraits and classical figures throughout the interior. These handcrafted details shaped how the owner expressed his passion for the decorative arts.

The house is accessible by public transport and located in a residential area of Kensington and Chelsea. Visitors should check in advance whether viewing is possible, as this is a private residence.

A domed gallery hall connects the upper rooms and features mosaic work that carefully interweaves family faces with ancient mythological scenes. This mosaic program is rarely documented and shows an unusual collaboration between Italian craftsmanship and English design.

Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Architectural style: Art Nouveau architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.50250,-0.20884

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59