The National Trust has taken ownership of 22 Parkside, a seminal modernist home in Wimbledon, South-West London, designed by the late architect Richard Rogers. This three-bedroom, one-bathroom property, built between 1968 and 1970, represents the youngest building to join the Trust’s extensive portfolio, which notably includes a Roman villa dating back nearly two millennia. Despite its relatively recent construction, 22 Parkside holds significant historical and architectural importance, having served as a testing ground for innovative design concepts that later influenced globally recognized structures like the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Lloyd’s building in London.
A Landmark of 20th Century Design
Designed by Richard and Su Rogers for Richard’s parents, William and Ermengarde (known affectionately as Nino and Dada), 22 Parkside is a striking example of functionalist and early ‘High-Tech’ architecture. The single-storey residence features a distinctive glass and yellow steel exterior, embodying a philosophy of rapid and cost-effective construction through a pre-fabricated system. This approach was a core tenet of Rogers’s architectural vision, aiming to demonstrate how modern living could be achieved efficiently and affordably.
The home’s open-plan kitchen was a personal touch, inspired by Rogers’s Italian upbringing and designed to accommodate his mother’s passion for cooking, reflecting the central role of food and family in Italian culture. Richard Rogers, an Italian-born British architect celebrated for his innovative designs, passed away in 2021 at the age of 88. His legacy, however, continues to resonate through iconic buildings worldwide.
A Gift to the Nation
The family of Richard Rogers has gifted 22 Parkside to the nation, entrusting its preservation and public access to the National Trust. Ben Rogers, son of the architect, emphasized the home’s profound significance beyond its function as a private residence. “22 Parkside is much more than a family home,” he stated. “It is one of the most important buildings my father and mother created – a place where many of the ideas that would go on to influence my father’s work and some of the world’s most celebrated architecture were first tested and explored.”
The family’s decision to entrust the property to the National Trust stems from a desire to ensure its protection and accessibility for future generations. “As a family, we wanted to ensure that this remarkable house would be protected, cared for and shared with future generations, rather than remaining a private asset,” Ben Rogers explained. “The National Trust brings the expertise, public purpose and long-term commitment needed to safeguard its future, while opening up its story to students, researchers and visitors.”
Inspiring Future Generations
The National Trust plans to collaborate with the local community and international partners to leverage 22 Parkside as an educational resource. The aim is to inspire emerging architects, designers, and creative professionals by showcasing the principles and innovations embodied in the house. The property, a Grade II listed building, was previously listed for £3.2 million.
Funding for the acquisition was secured through contributions from individual donors and charitable foundations, including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Sigrid Rausing Trust. The National Trust is now seeking further support to realize its vision for the property, focusing on connecting more people with modern heritage in London and beyond. Ben Rogers added, “We are incredibly proud that 22 Parkside will become part of the nation’s heritage, but there is still more to do. Continued support will help ensure that its legacy of creativity, innovation and public benefit can inspire people for generations to come.”
A Vision for Public Access
Ruthie Rogers, Richard Rogers’s second wife, highlighted the architect’s belief in the importance of public access to culture. “Richard regarded public access to culture – whether architecture, art, theatre, music, or design – as one of the great aspirations in life,” she commented. “It filled him with such joy that the public would have access to this house that was once private, a house that was a prototype for what he thought houses could be for all.”
Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, expressed profound gratitude to the Rogers family for their generosity. “Their generosity means that 22 Parkside will now become part of our shared inheritance, belonging not to a single family but to the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland,” McGrady stated. “This extraordinary gift will ensure that a building where world-changing ideas were born continues to inspire new generations of thinkers, makers and creators.”
Architectural Significance and Legacy
Architects and critics have lauded the acquisition. Lord Norman Foster, a fellow pioneer of High-Tech architecture, remarked that the building “encapsulated the spirit of the 1960s. It was the essence of optimism.” He commended the National Trust’s initiative in preserving such a significant structure for public appreciation.
George Clarke, an architect, broadcaster, and National Trust Ambassador, described 22 Parkside as one of the most significant acquisitions in the National Trust’s recent history. He noted its influence on subsequent modernist architecture, placing it alongside other iconic homes like Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House and Philip Johnson’s Glass House. Clarke emphasized that 22 Parkside “sowed the seeds of some of the most incredible, functional, modernist architecture Richard Rogers was to produce,” solidifying its place as a pivotal home in British architectural history.
The National Trust invites the public to support the ongoing restoration and development of 22 Parkside, ensuring its legacy of innovation and design excellence continues to inspire. Further details on how to contribute can be found on the National Trust website.
