Academy Gardens, London facts for kids
Academy Gardens is a large building in Kensington, a part of London, England. It's known for its special "Neo-Georgian" style, which means it looks like old Georgian buildings but was built much later. Today, it's a complex of fancy apartments.
This building was first opened in 1914, not as apartments, but as a college called Queen Elizabeth College. It was a special place for women to study, and it was part of a bigger university called King's College, London.
Contents
What is Academy Gardens?
Academy Gardens is a beautiful apartment building located on Duchess of Bedford's Walk in Kensington, London. It was built over 100 years ago, in 1914. The building has a unique style called Neo-Georgian. This means it looks like the grand buildings from the Georgian era (a time in British history from 1714 to 1830), but it was actually built much later.
A Look at Its Design
The building is considered very important because of its architecture. It is a "Grade II listed" building. This means it has special historical or architectural importance, and its look must be protected.
Who Designed This Building?
Academy Gardens was designed by two talented architects: H. Percy Adams and Charles Holden. Charles Holden was a very famous architect who designed many important buildings in London, including several London Underground stations. Their design for Academy Gardens shows a classic and elegant style.
From College to Homes
When Academy Gardens first opened, it was not an apartment complex. It was built to be Queen Elizabeth College, which was a college specifically for women. It was a department of King's College, London, one of the oldest and most respected universities in England.
Why Was it a Ladies' College?
In the early 1900s, it was becoming more common for women to go to university, but they often studied in separate colleges or departments. Queen Elizabeth College provided a place where women could get a university education in subjects like household and social science, which were considered important for women at the time. Over the years, the college grew and changed, eventually becoming a co-educational college (for both men and women) before it merged fully with King's College London. Later, the building was transformed into the apartments we see today.
Where is Academy Gardens Located?
Academy Gardens is in a lovely part of London called Kensington. This area is known for its beautiful parks, museums, and grand buildings. It's a very green and peaceful part of the city, close to places like Holland Park.
