Imposing Burgh House was built during the reign of Queen Anne, in 1704. It's been used as a museum since 1979. During its lifespan it's been under various ownership including: Rudyard Kipling's daughter, Elsie Bambridge; The Royal East Middlesex Militia (where it was utilised as an officers' mess); a community centre (which housed a Citizen's Advice Bureau) and it has also stood unoccupied. Burgh House is a real community hub and hosts many public events. There is also a beautiful panelled library, which can be hired for events such as weddings, concerts, and for filming.
The museum consists of more than one art gallery, and you can purchase some of the works on display. They are currently holding an exhibition featuring the works of children's illustrator Helen Oxenbury, and there is also a room showcasing the art of Kate Greenaway and Helen Allingham. They were both Hampstead residents, both born in the 1840s and were good friends.
I also nipped around the corner to 2 Willow Road; home of Hungarian-born modernist architect Erno Goldfinger. The building of this home gave rise to local controversy, apparently including objections by James Bond author Ian Fleming, a nearby resident. It is said that Fleming named his protagonist Auric Goldfinger after him, but this has been disputed. It's also been mentioned that Fleming heard the name whilst he was playing golf and simply liked it, thinking it would make for an attractive villain.
XXX
X
