The Long Flat: How to Furnish a 1930s Lateral Layout Without Fighting the Architecture There is a particular kind of frustration that afflicts newly arrived residents of Du Cane Court. They have moved into one of the most architecturally distinguished apartment buildings in South London. They have the corniced ceilings, the steel-framed windows with theirContinueContinue reading “How to Furnish a 1930s Lateral Layout”
Category Archives: DCC Articles
Sir Edmund Frederick Du Cane (1830 to 1903): Architect of Wormwood Scrubs and Reformer of the Victorian Prison
There is a particular irony embedded in the Du Cane family’s London legacy. On Balham High Road stands Du Cane Court, the building their land made possible, once marketed as the “Aristocrat of Apartment Houses.” In west London, running alongside the grey battlements of Britain’s most notorious prison, Du Cane Road carries the same name.ContinueContinue reading “Sir Edmund Frederick Du Cane (1830 to 1903): Architect of Wormwood Scrubs and Reformer of the Victorian Prison”
Ella Du Cane (1874 to 1943): Watercolourist and the Woman Who Brought Japan to Britain
In the summer of 1874, the Du Cane family were as far from their Essex estate as it was possible to travel without leaving the British Empire. Sir Charles Du Cane, the family’s current head, was serving as Governor of Tasmania, administering the southernmost Australian colony from the Government House in Hobart. It was there,ContinueContinue reading “Ella Du Cane (1874 to 1943): Watercolourist and the Woman Who Brought Japan to Britain”
Peter Du Cane CBE (1901 to 31 October 1984): Builder of the Bluebird and Architect of D-Day’s Fleet
On 19 August 1939, on Coniston Water in the Lake District, a boat called Bluebird K4 driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell crossed a measured kilometre at 141.74 miles per hour, setting a new world water speed record that would stand until the war had run its course. The boat had been designed and built atContinueContinue reading “Peter Du Cane CBE (1901 to 31 October 1984): Builder of the Bluebird and Architect of D-Day’s Fleet”
George Bertram Carter (1896 to 1986): The Lutyens Pupil Who Embraced Modernism
George Bertram Carter lived almost twice as long as his fellow Du Cane Court claimant George Kay Green, and the arc of his career reflects that longevity: a formally trained architect who moved with the currents of his time, from Arts and Crafts to Art Deco to full-blooded Modernism, and who remained professionally active acrossContinueContinue reading “George Bertram Carter (1896 to 1986): The Lutyens Pupil Who Embraced Modernism”
Du Cane Court in Popular Culture
Du Cane Court, an iconic Art Deco residential block located in Balham, South London, has captured the imagination of filmmakers, TV producers, and authors for decades. Its unique architecture, rich history, and quintessentially British charm make it a sought-after location for various cultural productions. This article delves into the appearances of Du Cane Court inContinueContinue reading “Du Cane Court in Popular Culture”
Living in Du Cane Court: Resident Experiences
Impossible to miss in the heart of Balham, Du Cane Court is a remarkable testament to Art Deco architecture’s elegance and urban living vibrancy. This iconic building, with its striking façade and expansive grounds, has been a home to countless residents since its construction in the 1930s. But beyond its historical significance and architectural charm,ContinueContinue reading “Living in Du Cane Court: Resident Experiences”
Accessibility and Transportation: Getting Around from Du Cane Court
Located in the vibrant and well-connected area of Balham, Du Cane Court offers residents unparalleled access to a variety of transportation options. Whether you prefer trains, buses, cycling, or walking, this neighbourhood has it all. Understanding the transportation links available can greatly enhance your living experience, making commuting, leisure, and everyday errands convenient and efficient.ContinueContinue reading “Accessibility and Transportation: Getting Around from Du Cane Court”
Art Deco Interiors: Design Inspirations from Du Cane Court
Du Cane Court, an iconic building in Balham, is not just renowned for its architecture but also for its exquisite Art Deco interiors. This style, characterized by rich colours, bold geometry, and decadent details, offers timeless design inspiration for anyone looking to incorporate a touch of 1920s and 1930s glamour into their home. Here, weContinueContinue reading “Art Deco Interiors: Design Inspirations from Du Cane Court”
Is Du Cane Court Named After One of These Famous Du Canes?
Famous Du Canes: A Family Across the Centuries The name above the entrance to Du Cane Court carries with it nearly three centuries of London and English history. The Du Cane family were French Protestants, Huguenots, who fled their homeland in the southern Low Countries during the persecutions carried out under the Duke of AlbaContinueContinue reading “Is Du Cane Court Named After One of These Famous Du Canes?”