Following a brief talk about the area’s history, we will head over to Stanley Arts, aGrade II listed building constructed as part of the Stanley Halls (the other part of which is now a school)in 1901-1909.
The Stanley Halls were designed and built by William Ford Robinson Stanley: manufacturer of precision mathematical instruments, philanthropist and patron of musicians, and Flinders Petrie: self-taught architect, engineer, inventor, author, playwright, artist and musician.
Stanley recognized the need for a venue dedicated to the performing and visual arts since the available public rooms in South Norwood were already proving inadequate by the end of the 19th century.
The building was described by Pevsner as “one of the most eccentric efforts anywhere at a do-it-yourself free-style”. The buildings have an Italianate character and are an interesting example of freestyle, early 20th century design. It displays influences from a range of architectural styles and demonstrates Stanley’s talent for solving the practical problems presented by the site.
Image: Stanley Halls By E. Norton Collins – From “William Ford Stanley: His Life and Work” by Richard Inwards (published 1911), PD-US, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29003906