Burgh House & Hampstead Museum: a hub for history, art and community
Discover the charm of historic Burgh House and Hampstead Museum.
Image: Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
Burgh House, a historically significant grade-1 listed building located in Hampstead. Dating back to its construction in 1704 by Henry and Hannah Sewell, the house has seen various phases in its history, including being expanded around 1720 by Dr. William Gibbons, who was a prominent figure in Hampstead's medical community during the area's flourishing spa period. Initially a private residence, it became a community centre in 1937 under the management of Hampstead Borough Council. After a period of neglect, the house was rescued in 1979 by local residents and later leased to the Burgh House Trust, a newly formed charity.
Image: Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
Today, the House operates as an independent and self-sustaining charity, serving as a vibrant hub for art, events, and history. The house's main purpose is to offer an inclusive environment for people to explore Hampstead's rich heritage through engaging with its collection and participating in various cultural activities like exhibitions, talks, concerts, and workshops. Burgh House is an accredited museum housing an extensive collection of items associated with the house's history, the local area, and notable residents. This collection, initiated by Christopher and Diana Wade in 1979, has grown to nearly 5000 objects through donations from the public, local institutions, and artists.
The House
Image: Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
Burgh House, originally built in 1704 during Queen Anne's reign, has a rich history of evolution. The ground floor housed an entrance hall and a smaller Music Room that served as a fabric storage and sales area. The basement was a functional space with a kitchen, servants' hall, and wine cellar, while unique features like an ice house in the moat and a larder under the front steps added to its character. The first floor, with a hallway known as a 'closet,' likely contained rooms used for various purposes, such as the Wells Room and Office.
Image: The Library at the Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
In the 1720s, expansions introduced key additions like the Library, Art Gallery, Christopher Wade Room, Heath Room, and a new staircase on both ground and first floors. Restrooms were included on the ground floor during this phase. The 1920s witnessed a significant transformation of the Music Room, making it a versatile space for concerts, plays, talks, choirs, and private events like weddings. Burgh House's history reflects its adaptability and cultural significance over the centuries.
The Museum
Burgh House's Hampstead Museum, located in the Heath and Wells Rooms, is dedicated to preserving Hampstead's history, spanning architectural evolution and the lives of its inhabitants. The museum features a permanent exhibition on Hampstead's architectural styles and highlights, including the well-preserved Georgian architecture of Burgh House itself.
Image: Lancelot Ribeiro: Finding Joy in a Landscape at Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
The Art
Burgh House's Art Gallery and Christopher Wade Room regularly host rotating temporary exhibitions, covering a diverse range from art and literature to science and local figures like John Constable and D.H. Lawrence.
Image: Lancelot Ribeiro: Finding Joy in a Landscape at Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
The current exhibition, Lancelot Ribeiro: Finding Joy in a Landscape, highlights the journey of Lancelot Ribeiro, an expressionist poet and painter based in Hampstead. The showcase follows his artistic evolution from 1930s pre-Independence India to mid-20th century Britain. Ribeiro's artistry evolves through form and materials, transitioning from traditional depictions of the Lake District to surreal urban scenes and vibrant abstract works inspired by geology.The exhibition runs until 17 December 2023.
Image: The Peggy Jay Gallery at Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
The Peggy Jay Gallery, added in 2005, serves as a contemporary art exhibition space.
The Buttery Café
Image: The Buttery Cafe at Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
Image: The Buttery Cafe at Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
The Buttery Café occupies the basement and Gertrude Jekyll Terrace, offering dining within a historic setting. The café provides a variety of tasty options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea. Visitors can tuck into classics like eggs benedict and smashed avocado on toast for brunch, while a diverse sandwich selection caters to various tastes, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Sweet treats like Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream, Polenta Slices, and Rocky Road are also available.
Image: The Buttery Cafe at Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
The café's charming dining area, surrounded by greenery, provides an ideal setting for daytime relaxation, whether enjoying the lush surroundings outdoors or the cosy interior inside during winter months. From coffee and cakes to casual seasonal lunches, afternoon tea, weekend brunch, and traditional Sunday roasts, The Buttery Café offers a range of choices to suit various occasions. It's a perfect spot for both leisurely moments and end-of-week unwindings.
Image: Burgh House. Hampstead. August 2023. © MTotoe.
Burgh House goes beyond being a museum, acting as a dynamic community hub. It hosts a range of events and classes, including life drawing events, talks, recitals and yoga, creating a vibrant space for various activities. The serene open garden is ideal for leisurely walks and picnics. In essence, Burgh House stands out as a unique destination embracing history, art, culture, dining, and a wonderful garden.
Opening hours: Burgh House: Wednesday - Sunday and Bank Hols 10am-4pm. Cafe: Wednesday - Friday 10am-5pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Hols 9:30am-5:30pm. Location: Burgh House, New End Square, London, NW3 1LT. Website: burghhouse.org.uk. Instagram: @burghhouse1704.
