Constructed circa. 1825, the mansion at 44 Grove End Road was occupied by the French artist Jacques Joseph Tissot (James Tissot) between 1870 and 1883, then later by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema and his wife Laura (nee Epps). Converted to apartments during the early 20th century, the property had fallen into a state of disrepair until plans to restore the property began in 2003.
1870 – 1883: James Tissot in Residence
Described as 'the greatest painter of social life in Victorian Times', Jacques Joseph Tissot (James Tissot) resided at 17 (now 44) Grove End Road between the years 1870 and 1883.
Somewhat less grand (not least in size) than the building that stands today, some classical features of Tissot's influence do remain, including the colonnade featured in 'Holyday' (1876). However, much of the interior detailing, along with much of the original building, were lost in the grand reconstructions that were to follow during the Alma-Tadema period.
Whilst in residence, the property provided the setting for many of Tissot's works, including 'The Convalescent' (circa 1876), 'Hide and Seek' (circa 1882) and 'The Fireplace' (circa 1869).
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1883 - 1912: Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema in Residence
Tissot having returned to France in 1883, 44 Grove End Road was passed to another celebrated artist, Dutchman Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema and his wife Laura.
Sir Lawrence spent lavishly on 44 Grove End Road, readapting it to an Italianate style. Under his direction, the property was extended in all directions and a wide range of quality finishes were applied to the external walls and roofing including terracotta, sandstone, Portland Stone, Stucco render, slate, lead, zinc and copper.
Internally, Sir Lawrence created the magnificent triple height studio with raised vaulted ceiling and apse. Viewing galleries were incorporated at first floor level to overlook this space and provide views into a stunning conservatory. Such lavish features made a wonderful setting for the famously grand parties Sir Lawrence and Laura hosted at 44 Grove End Road, which were attended by friends such as Tchaikovsky and the Prince of Wales. In addition, many small paintings presented by fellow artists as gifts upon visiting the residence were displayed on the ground floor in the 'Hall of Panels'.
Much of the interior and external features of 44 Grove End Road appear as influence in the works of Sir Lawrence and in those of his wife, Laura Epps. Indeed, many of the architectural pieces they commissioned for the house remain in the property (notably a bronze door surround with high level figurative relief), and the Alma-Tadema monogram appears frequently throughout the building.
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Post 1912: Conversion to Apartments and a Gradual Decline into Disrepair
44 Grove End Road, 1999.
Requisitioned for army occupation throughout World War II, 44 Grove End Road (along with its neighbours) sustained a degree of damage from bombing and fire. Subsequent to the war, the property came under the stewardship of the Bleier family.
The second world war had created a shortage of more affordable housing types, and the Bleier family concluded that 44 Grove End Road had the potential to contribute to increasing provision. Consequently, the property was converted from a single dwelling into eleven apartments that were managed by the family until a family death in 1999. Over this period, the maintenance programme had proved challenging, and the property had gradually fallen into a state of disrepair.
The beneficiaries of the estate, the Savage family, spent time deliberating the future of 44 Grove End Road. They decided on a course of action that would see the total renovation and redevelopment of 44 Grove End Road through restoring the property to its original magnificence as a single dwelling.
Incorporating themselves as 'Project Tadema', the Savage family selected Bleier Estates Ltd to develop and manage the restoration programme on their behalf. From 2003 Bleier Estates Ltd has worked with the existing tenants within the necessary legal frameworks to secure vacant possession on behalf of Project Tadema, gaining the necessary planning consents to implement restoration and redevelopment in line with the original RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) plans.