The Academician’s Room — London, UK
Tucked away behind London’s chaotic Piccadilly stretch, The Academician’s Room has quietly reopened after a two-month renovation by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS). Located on the first floor of The Keeper’s House, itself located in the eastern wing of Burlington House, the room was originally designed by Norman Shaw in 1883 for the Royal Academy’s architectural hanging gallery. The spruce-up now invests the Royal Academicians with a charming private members club that, despite the restrictions imposed by the room’s heritage listing, MBDS has been able to add a light modern gloss without losing any historical cache. The cause was helped immeasurably by the uncovering of the original timber panels (still pockmarked with nail holes from generations of exhibition hangs) and Portland stone margin. Equally, the mood has been smartened up with chandeliers, a darker stained timber floor, and an eclectic mix of vintage furniture such as 1960s library chairs with fringe detailing, high-backed 1950’s Paola Buffa chairs in original yellow velvet fabric, and a pair of 19th-century gilt wood appliqués that have been converted to lamps. On the walls now hang a rotating exhibition of lively artwork by the likes of Zaha Hadid, Tony Bevan and John Wragg. Sadly, entry into the Academicians’ Room is by invitation only so our tip is to start making friends with a member tout de suite.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
The Keeper’s House
Burlington House
Piccadilly
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Daven Wu is the Singapore Editor at Wallpaper*. A former corporate lawyer, he has been covering Singapore and the neighbouring South-East Asian region since 1999, writing extensively about architecture, design, and travel for both the magazine and website. He is also the City Editor for the Phaidon Wallpaper* City Guide to Singapore.
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Cabaret, martinis and Yorkshire puddings: The Cockatoo by Bistrotheque has it all
The Cockatoo, a bar, restaurant and performance space designed by Nice Projects, adds spice and rhythm to storied east London venue Bistrotheque
By Daven Wu Published
-
Recharge at Praktyka, the glamping spot all creatives should know
Architectural cabins and art workshops await at Praktyka, a creative retreat on the wild North Devon coast
By Tom Howells Published
-
Tollington’s is the new Spanish-inspired fish bar making a splash in north London
Tollington’s in Finsbury Park is a new opening from the team behind The Plimpsoll, championing Spanish-style dining and interiors
By Billie Brand Published
-
The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers high tea and verdant vistas in a royal London setting
The Orangery at Kensington Palace Gardens is the perfect green setting for a sunny day treat of afternoon tea and more
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Meet Paradise 2.0: the beloved Soho-based Sri Lankan restaurant, reinvented
Paradise 2.0 embraces tropical brutalism following a renovation by Dan Preston Studio
By Billie Brand Published
-
Step inside the majestic Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
In matching its exclusive and central location, a sleek building by RSHP houses the new ultra-refined Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Soak up London’s sunshine at these stylish rooftop bars
Discover the best London rooftop bars, from the Middle Eastern-themed Yasmin Soho to Spanish tapas haven, Amano Rooftop Bar
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Celebrate summer in Ladbroke Hall’s new garden dining space
The London arts space introduces an al fresco oasis boasting a landscape design by Luciano Giubbilei and a pavilion by Jean Prouvé
By Sofia de la Cruz Published