Restoration Stories: Patina and Paint in Old London Houses

The stories of sixteen London houses, most of them Georgian, rescued from oblivion and restored to a new beauty.

This is an informed, visual record of Georgian London houses that become rarer and more precious by the day. Clusters still exist in the East End of London: in Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Shadwell, Mile End. They are mostly Grade II-listed, and some are approaching their 300^thbirthday.

Their owners, who come from all walks of life, are proud of the rare beauty of the houses they live in, and find that modern life easily coexists with Georgian beauty and practicality. Some of the houses in the book were saved from demolition thanks to vigorous campaigning and the work of the Spitalfields Trust, and Stockley describes the sensitive work and loving restoration that each owner has done to make them liveable again.

Each house serves as a graceful and important reminder to those who make things that won’t last or that cannot be recycled. These homes perfectly exemplify the current movement towards saving the planet through using and caring for natural renewable materials.

In each of these varied and memorable domestic interiors, time has immeasurably enriched and enhanced their beauty.   Restoration Storiesis a sensitive record and celebration of those enrichments and enhancements.

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