Building record 1160/95/2 - No.78 Derngate

House, early C19 with extension and alterations 1916-19 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for W J Bassett-Lowke

{2} House, early C19 with extension and alterations 1916-19 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for W J Bassett-Lowke. Red brick and Welsh slate roof with brick ridge stack. Moulded brick eaves. Part of a terrace. 3 storeys and attic with basement to rear. Single main window range. To right are steps with iron balustrade which lead to front door and lamp with surrounding decoration above, all designed by Mackintosh. This is set in early C19 moulded doorcase, part of pair with No 76 (qv) adjoining to right. On left a square bay with plain-tile pentice roof and leaded casements also designed by Mackintosh. On first floor a 2 light casement set in original opening and, to right, a small sash, both of these also designed by Mackintosh. 16-pane sash on 2nd floor and 2-light flat roofed attic dormer. To rear, across most of the width, is the extension designed by Mackintosh with a 4-light casement to the basement (partly glazed door to left), windows on 2 sides to dining room, partly with leaded lights and characteristic handles, balcony verandah above (now glazed) and balcony to second floor 2-light French window. Rear is cement rendered as designed by Mackintosh. Interior remains almost completely as re-organised by Mackintosh. Front hall/parlour has moulded fireplace surround, very fine screen with panels of coloured leaded glass, curved newel and door. Dining room has walnut fitted china cabinets, with drawers below, panelling and built-in wall lamps, together with fireplace, (grate appears renewed). Staircase has further lattice screens including that to bathroom as well as fitted cupboards. Bathroom has similar lattice design fitted cupboards and the original American Kohler bath. One window is mirrored. 1st and 2nd floor bedrooms have simple ceramic tile fireplaces possibly also by Mackintosh. The attic remains early C19 in character. As regards the extension, Howarth (op cit) considers that no other work in this country at the time bears so clearly the characteristics the modern movement. Many of Mackintosh's original drawings together with contemporary photographs are in the Glasgow University collection. Part of the furniture desiged by Mackintosh for the house are in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Glasgow University and Northampton Museum.

{10} Photo of nos. 78 and 80 dated 1990;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 4/537 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> 1976, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), H14 p.58 (checked) (Catalogue). SNN1000.

<3> Howarth T., 1977, C.R. Mackintosh and the Modern Movement, p.199-204 (unchecked) (Book). SNN105131.

<4> Billcliffe R., 1981, Mackintosh Furniture and Interiors, p.218-252 (unchecked) (Book). SNN105132.

<5> Mowl T.; Hickman C., 2008, The Historic Gardens of England: Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Series). SNN106082.

<6> Kendall R., 1997-2014, 78 Derngate News, (unchecked) (Newsletter). SNN103325.

<8> Way T., 2009, Garden Gnomes: A History, p.27 (unchecked) (Series). SNN106617.

<9> Hatley, V.A., 1989, Alexander Ellis Anderson LRIBA, 1866-1935, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN106769.

<10> Photographs of buildings in Northampton (Photographs). SNN114989.

Record last edited

Sep 18 2024 3:19PM