Burgh House, Hampstead

The Museum was founded in 1979 by Christopher and Diana Wade, and the collection now contains over 3,000 objects relating to art and life in Hampstead with particular emphasis on famous residents past and present. Highlights of the fine art collection include works by the Christopher Nevinson, Malvina Cheek, Fred Uhlman, Donald Towner, Sidney Arrobus, Helen Allingham and Duncan Grant.

Perhaps the most noted artistic resident was Thomas Grylls who occupied the house from 1884 until 1906. He fathered twelve children all of whom spent time at the house. Grylls was a distinguished stained glass designer and, as a partner in the company of Burlison and Grylls, designed the rose window above Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey. Rudyard Kipling's daughter, Elsie Bambridge lived here with her husband, Captain George Bambridge between 1933-1937. From then until after World War II the housed was empty and although it suffered no bomb damage it had fallen into disrepair. Hampstead Borough Council purchased it in 1946 and the following year it was reopend as a Community Centre with a Citizen's Advice Bureau in the basement. It was taken over by Camden Council who were forced to close it in 1977 as dry rot was discovered and it was then far too expensive to repair. A charitable trust was formed to avoid turning the building into a commercial property. The Trust raised £50K and a lease was approved by Camden Council and the House was reopened in 1979. Since then, the need for further repairs and modernisation became apparent. An £800K scheme was drawn up and was successfully backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The fully modernised and refurbished building was formally opened in the summer of 2006.