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{{short description|Conference centre in South Kensington, London}} |
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{{Infobox Modern building | image = bphouse01.jpg | name = Baden-Powell House | location_town = [[Kensington]], [[London]] | location_country = United Kingdom | architect = [[Ralph Tubbs]] | client = [[The Scout Association]] | engineer = Harry Neal Ltd | completion_date = [[1961-07-12]] | cost = £ 400,000 | style = [[Modern architecture]] | }} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2015}} |
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'''Baden-Powell House''', colloquially known as '''B-P House''', is a [[Scouting]] hostel and conference centre in [[South Kensington]], [[London]], which was built as a tribute to [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Lord Baden-Powell]], the founder of Scouting. The house, owned by [[The Scout Association]], hosts a collection of Baden-Powell memorabilia, including the original Baden-Powell painting by [[David Jagger]], Baden-Powell's ''[[wikisource:Last message to scouts|Last Message to Scouts]]'', and a granite statue by [[Don Potter]]. |
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{{Use British English|date=August 2015}} |
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{{Infobox building |
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| name = Queen's Gate House |
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| native_name = |
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| former_names = Baden-Powell House |
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| alternate_names = |
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| image = bphouse01.jpg |
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| alt = |
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| caption = |
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| map_type = |
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| map_alt = |
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| altitude = |
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| building_type = |
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| architectural_style = [[Modern architecture]] |
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| structural_system = |
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| cost = £400,000 |
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| client = [[The Scout Association]] |
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| owner = |
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| current_tenants = |
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| landlord = |
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| location = |
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| address = 65 Queen's Gate |
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| location_town = [[Kensington]]<br />[[London]], {{postcode|SW|7}} |
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| location_country = United Kingdom |
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| coordinates = |
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| start_date = |
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| completion_date = {{Start date and age|1961|07|12|df=yes}} |
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| inauguration_date = |
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| renovation_date = |
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| demolition_date = |
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| height = |
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| diameter = |
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| floor_count = |
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| floor_area = |
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| main_contractor = |
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| architect = [[Ralph Tubbs]] |
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| architecture_firm = |
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| structural_engineer = [[Harry Neal Ltd.]] |
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| services_engineer = |
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| civil_engineer = |
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| awards = |
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| website = {{URL|www.mpw.ac.uk/queens-gate-house}} |
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| references = |
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}} |
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'''Queen's Gate House''', still commonly known by its previous name of '''Baden-Powell House''', is a conference centre in [[South Kensington]], London. It was built as a tribute to [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Lord Baden-Powell]], the founder of [[Scouting]], and has served as the headquarters for [[The Scout Association]], as a hostel providing modern and affordable lodging for Scouts, [[Girl Guides|Guides]], their families and the general public staying in London and as a conference and event venue. |
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The building committee, chaired by [[Harold Gillett|Sir Harold Gillett]], [[Lord Mayor of London]], purchased the site in 1956, and assigned [[Ralph Tubbs]] to design the house in the [[modern architecture|modern architectural]] style. The |
The building committee, chaired by [[Harold Gillett|Sir Harold Gillett]], [[Lord Mayor of London]], purchased the site in 1956, and assigned [[Ralph Tubbs]] to design the house in the [[modern architecture|modern architectural]] style. The foundation stone was laid in 1959 by World Chief Guide [[Olave Baden-Powell|Olave, Lady Baden-Powell]], and it was opened in 1961 by [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]]. The largest part of the £400,000 cost was provided by the Scout Movement itself and the building previously included a number of tributes to the founder including hosting a small exhibition about Scouting, and a [[granite]] statue of Baden-Powell by [[Don Potter]] located outside the building. |
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Following the [[Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|impact of the COVID-19 pandemic]] and a decline in numbers of Scouts using the facility, the Scout Association sold the building to [[Mander Portman Woodward]] who run it as an events and conference venue and are converting the hostel rooms into boarding accommodation for students.<ref name="Third Sector" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Queen's Gate House |url=https://www.mpw.ac.uk/queens-gate-house/ |access-date=16 November 2021 |publisher=Mander Portman Woodward}}</ref><ref name="Mander Portman Woodward">{{Cite web |date=13 September 2021 |title=Exciting new landmark on the horizon for international students in London |url=https://www.mpw.ac.uk/2021/09/13/exciting-new-landmark-on-the-horizon-for-international-students-in-london/ |access-date=16 November 2021 |publisher=Mander Portman Woodward}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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== History == |
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=== Construction === |
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| style=" text-align: center;" | From an address by Elizabeth II<ref name="wood">{{Cite book |last=Wood |first=Edward |title=The story of B.-P.'s House |date=April 1971 |publisher=[[The Scout Association]] |isbn=0-85165-016-3 |location=London}}</ref> |
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|<small> |
|<small> Baden-Powell himself has gone, but his Movement remains and grows—a memorial more enduring than stone or steel. It is fitting, however, that here in England, where he started it, there should be a house bearing his name and serving the needs of the Movement, expressing our gratitude in a practical way.</small> |
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Acting on a 1942 initiative by [[Chief Scout]] [[Arthur Somers-Cocks, 6th Baron Somers|Lord Somers]], a formal Baden-Powell House Committee was established by [[The Scout Association]] in 1953 under the direction of [[Harold Gillett|Sir Harold Gillett]], later [[Lord Mayor of London]]. The committee's directive was to build a |
Acting on a 1942 initiative by [[Chief Scout (The Scout Association)|Chief Scout]] [[Arthur Somers-Cocks, 6th Baron Somers|Lord Somers]], a formal Baden-Powell House Committee was established by [[The Scout Association]] in 1953 under the direction of [[Harold Gillett|Sir Harold Gillett]], later [[Lord Mayor of London]]. The committee's directive was to build a hostel to provide [[Boy Scout|Scouts]] a place to stay at reasonable cost while visiting [[London]]. For this purpose, in 1956 the committee purchased a bombed-out property at the intersection of [[Cromwell Road]] and [[Queen's Gate]] at a cost of £39,000.<ref name="wood" /><ref name="Story Scouting 80" /> |
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The [[Scouting|Scout Movement]] raised the major part of the funding of £400,000 for building and furnishing the building between 1957 and 1959. Money was raised through public appeals supported by publication in Scout Movement magazines, a collection of donations in 15,000 brick-shaped boxes, and 5,000 appeal letters signed personally by then Chief Scout [[Thomas Corbett, 2nd Baron Rowallan|Lord Rowallan]].<ref name="wood"/> |
The [[Scouting|Scout Movement]] raised the major part of the funding of £400,000 for building and furnishing the building between 1957 and 1959. Scouts throughout the country collected 'ship' halfpennies, and this raised the bulk of the money for the building.<ref name="Story Scouting 80" /> Money was also raised through public appeals supported by publication in Scout Movement magazines, a collection of donations in 15,000 brick-shaped boxes, and 5,000 appeal letters signed personally by then Chief Scout [[Thomas Corbett, 2nd Baron Rowallan|Lord Rowallan]].<ref name="wood" /> Scouts representing every county were present at the opening. |
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In a celebration on |
In a celebration on 17 October 1959 the foundation stone was laid by the World Chief Guide ([[Olave Baden-Powell]]), in the presence of Lord Mayor Sir Harold Gillett, the new Chief Scout [[Charles Maclean of Duart, Baron Maclean|Sir Charles Maclean]], and 400 other guests. A casket was buried under the foundation stone which held 1959 Scout mementoes, stamps, coins, photographs, etc., and a programme of the ceremony.<ref name="wood" /><ref name="Story Scouting 80" /> |
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=== Use by the Scout Association === |
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With 142 [[Queen's Scout]]s as Guard of Honour, and live broadcast by the BBC (commentator [[Richard Dimbleby]]), Baden-Powell House was opened on [[1961-07-12]] by [[Queen Elizabeth II]]. Afterwards, the Queen toured the house with the Chief Scout and the president of The Scout Association, [[Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester]], her uncle. A black marble panel with gold lettering was put on the balcony in the hall to commemorate the event.<ref name="wood" /> |
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With 142 [[Queen's Scout]]s as Guard of Honour, and live broadcast by the [[BBC]] (commentator [[Richard Dimbleby]]), Baden-Powell House was opened on 12 July 1961 by [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref name="britishpathe">{{Cite news |date=1961-07-17 |title=Queen Opens B-P House 1961 |agency=britishpathe.com |url=https://www.britishpathe.com/video/queen-opens-b-p-house/query/london+unveiled}}</ref> Afterwards, she toured the house with the Chief Scout and the president of The Scout Association, her uncle [[Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester]]. A black marble panel with gold lettering was put on the balcony in the hall to commemorate the event.<ref name="wood" /><ref name="Story Scouting 80">{{Cite book |last=James |first=Chris |title=A History of Scouting in 100 Objects |date=2014 |publisher=The Scout Association |location=London |page=80}}</ref> |
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From 1974 to 2001, Baden-Powell House was the [[headquarter]]s of The Scout Association, replacing their previous location in [[Buckingham Palace Road#Scouts and Girl Guides|Buckingham Palace Road]] for which a dedicated office extension to the house was opened by the Queen in November 1976.<ref name="OHOS182">{{Cite book |title=An Official History of Scouting |date=2006 |publisher=Hamlyn |isbn=9780600613985 |location=London |page=182}}</ref><ref name="Rogers 21">{{Cite book |last=Rogers |first=Peter |title=Gilwell Park and the White House: A brief history and guided tours. |date=2006 |publisher=Peter Rogers |page=21}}</ref> As the association had expanded, the staff were split between Baden-Powell House and [[Gilwell Park]] in the historic White House.<ref name="Rogers 21" /> In 1987 elements of the building were adapted as an events and conference space, expanding the appeal of the building more broadly. In 1993, the Scout Association took the decision to relocate their headquarters and all of their staff to a new purpose-built building at Gilwell Park housing all the association's staff.<ref name="Rogers 21" /> The decision was in part led by the deteriorating condition of the historic White House at Gilwell Park with the three phase project concluding in April 2001 when the headquarters formally moved to [[Gilwell Park|Gilwell House]].<ref name="Rogers 21" /> As part of this development, the adjoining office block was sold to raise funds for the new construction.<ref name="Rogers 69">{{Cite book |last=Rogers |first=Peter |title=Gilwell Park and the White House: A brief history and guided tours. |date=2006 |publisher=Peter Rogers |page=69}}</ref> As the owner of Baden-Powell House, The Scout Association received at this time a net income out of the revenues of approximately £1.5 million.<ref name="factsheet" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bevan |first=John |title=Annual report & accounts 2000–2001 |publisher=[[The Scout Association]] |year=2001}}</ref><ref name="annreport">{{Cite book |last=Asplin |first=John |title=Join the adventure. Annual Report 2004–2005 |publisher=[[The Scout Association]] |year=2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Cohen |first=Susan |title=The Scouts |date=2012 |publisher=Shire Publications |isbn=9780747811510 |location=Oxford |page=50}}</ref> |
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== Modern architecture == |
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[[image:bphouse05.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Baden-Powell House, long view]] |
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[[image:bphouse02.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Baden-Powell House, side view]] |
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[[Image:bphouse04.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Baden-Powell House, front view]] |
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The house was designed by the architect [[Ralph Tubbs]] in 1956, whose works included the [[Dome of Discovery]], the highlight of the 1951 [[Festival of Britain]]. Tubbs' floor plans and a model of his design were displayed during a fundraising campaign and exhibition on [[1957-02-21]] in the Egyptian Hall of the [[Mansion House, London|Mansion House]].<ref name="wood"/><ref name="20cs">{{cite web | url=http://www.c20society.org.uk/docs/building/granada.html | title = The Twentieth Century Society, Building of the Month February 2005 | accessdate = 2006-07-08}}</ref> |
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Thirty-five years after its opening, Baden-Powell House was refurbished in a six-month £2 million programme, providing all modern amenities such as private facilities for all rooms, double glazing, and air conditioning, as well as enhancing conference facilities for large and small events. Upon completion of the programme, the house was opened by the president of The Scout Association, [[Prince Edward, Duke of Kent]] on 5 June 1997.<ref name="passingyears">{{Cite web |title=Baden-Powell House International Centre re-opened by HRH The Duke of Kent |url=http://members.scouts.org.uk/documents/About/history/fs295306.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060724153535/http://www.scouts.org.uk/aboutus/fs295306.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2006 |access-date=2015-05-17 |series=The Passing years, Milestones in the progress of Scouting |publisher=[[The Scout Association]]}}</ref><ref name="OHOS184">{{Cite book |title=An Official History of Scouting |date=2006 |publisher=Hamlyn |isbn=9780600613985 |location=London |page=184}}</ref> A museum to the life of B.P., "The Baden-Powell Story",<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Briggs |first=Asa |author-link=Asa Briggs |year=2001 |title=Victoria's Empire |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4397196&site=eds-live&scope=site |journal=British Heritage |volume=22 |page=26 |id={{EBSCOhost|4397196}} |number=4}}</ref> was housed at the site.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dorn |first=J |year=2007 |title=Albertopolis in South Kensington |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=25579912&site=eds-live&scope=site |journal=British Heritage |volume=28 |id={{EBSCOhost|25579912}} |access-date=24 September 2023 |number=4 |pages=21–24}}</ref> |
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The six storied Baden-Powell House is designed in the [[modern architecture|modern]] [[architectural style]], as pioneered by the Swiss architect [[Le Corbusier]] from the late 1920s onwards, and predominating in the 1950s. At Baden-Powell House, Tubbs made the first floor overhang the ground floor, a Le Corbusier architectural design choice to free the building from the ground, such as seen in his [[Pavillon Suisse]] at the [[Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris|Cité Internationale Universitaire]] in [[Paris]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.archivision.com/analog/screen/P/1A1-LC-PS.jpg | title = Images of the Pavillon Suisse | accessdate = 2006-07-05}}</ref> Additionally, Le Corbusier's [[Sainte Marie de La Tourette]] priory in [[Lyon]] shows two floors of monks cells with small windows, [[cantilever]]ed over the more open floors below, another design choice used by Tubbs in the [[facade]] of Baden-Powell House.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.washington.edu/ark2/archtm/MLC127.html | title = La Tourette Monastery | accessdate = 2006-07-05 }}</ref> While Tubbs created Baden-Powell House in the modern architecture style of Le Corbusier, he used more architectural restraint and his own design choices, such as making the main visible building component brick rather than concrete. Tubbs' heavier evolution of Le Corbusier's style was popular in England throughout the post-war years until replaced by the [[Brutalist]] style in the later 1960s.<ref name="cropplestone">{{cite book | last = Cropplestone |first = Trewin | year = 1963 | title = World Architecture | publisher = Hamlyn | pages = Pages 331-333, caption 1002 and onward to 341 }}</ref> |
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Since its inception, Baden-Powell House provided a hostel for people visiting London,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hargan |first=Jim |date=July 2007 |title=Brownsea Island and the BIRTH of SCOUTING |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=24829455&site=eds-live&scope=site |journal=British Heritage |volume=28 |id={{EBSCOhost|24829455}} |number=3}}</ref> and since 2001 this became the main focus of the building. In the period 2004–2006 the hostel participated in the [[Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales)|Youth Hostel Association]], after which the Scout Association entered into an agreement with German company [[Holidaybreak|Meininger Hotels]] with Scout members from the UK and abroad being able to stay at a reduced rate. It remained owned by the Scout Association, and advertised alongside the Gilwell Park Conference Centre and the [[Scout Adventures (The Scout Association)|Scout Activity Centres]]. At its peak, it saw on average 30,000 people spending the night and 100,000 meals served in the restaurant.<ref name="factsheet" /> |
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Baden-Powell House was built to Tubbs' design by Harry Neal Ltd, for which they received the 1961 Gold Medal of the [[Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers]].<ref name="wood"/> At the opening, the house received the building design award for ‘The building of most merit in London.'<ref name="factsheet">{{cite web | title = Scoutbase Fact Sheet on Baden-Powell House | |
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url=http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs295402.pdf | accessdate = 2006-05-01 | format=PDF}}</ref> |
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=== Use by Mander Portman Woodward === |
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Thirty-five years after its opening, Baden-Powell House was refurbished in a six-month £2 million programme, providing all modern amenities such as private facilities for all rooms, double glazing, and air conditioning, as well as enhancing conference facilities for large and small events. Upon completion of the programme, the house was opened by the president of The Scout Association, [[Prince Edward, Duke of Kent]] on [[1997-06-05]]. In 2002 a [[Starbucks]] coffee and sandwich bar was opened, as well as an outdoor roof garden adjacent to the meeting conference rooms on the second floor.<ref name="factsheet"/><ref name="passingyears">{{cite web | title = The Passing years, Milestones in the progress of Scouting | url=http://www.scouts.org.uk/aboutus/fs295306.pdf | publisher = [[The Scout Association]] | accessdate = 2006-05-01 | format=PDF}}</ref> |
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In November 2020 it was announced that the Scout Association would sell the building as a result of the impact of the 2020 Covid crisis on the Scout Association's revenues.<ref name="The Scout Association">{{Cite web |title=Scouts announce plan to protect movement's future |url=https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2020/november/scouts-announce-plan-to-protect-movement-s-future/ |access-date=5 November 2020 |website=scouts.org.uk |publisher=The Scout Association |page=24}}</ref><ref name="Third Sector">{{Cite news |last=Delahunty |first=Stephen |date=6 November 2020 |title=Scouts to sell two properties and make 100 redundancies |work=Third Sector |publisher=Haymarket Media Group |url=https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/scouts-sell-two-properties-100-redundancies/management/article/1699436 |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref> In March 2021, the property was valued at £46 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statements of cash flows |url=https://www.scouts.org.uk/about-us/our-impact-and-reports/scouts-annual-report-2020-2021/statements-of-cash-flows/ |access-date=27 November 2021 |website=scouts.org.uk |publisher=The Scout Association}}</ref> The sale was completed in August 2021 to an independent school [[Mander Portman Woodward]] whose London campus is located in converted town houses a short distance away in Queen's Gate. They plan to retain the events and conference facilities as well as adding other bespoke teaching areas, including an art studio, and converting the hostel rooms into boarding accommodation for international students and students over the age of 14 years from September 2022.<ref name="Mander Portman Woodward" /> |
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== Baden-Powell collection == |
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[[image:bphouse-collection02.jpg|thumb|right|Painting of [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Robert Baden-Powell]], by [[David Jagger]], 1929, pivotal part of the Baden-Powell House collection]] |
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Since Baden-Powell House was intended as a tribute to Baden-Powell, a notable collection of Baden-Powell memorabilia has always been on display for visitors in 'The story of B-P' exhibition. This includes many drawings and letters by Baden-Powell himself, such as the original of his ''[[wikisource:Last message to scouts|Last Message to Scouts]]'', ''Laws for me when I am old'' and several [[first edition]]s of his books. The exhibition also displays the original painting by [[David Jagger]], as presented to Baden-Powell on [[1929-08-29]] at the 'Coming of Age' 21st [[World Jamboree]].<ref name="wood"/> This painting, a personal favourite of Baden-Powell, is often used in publications throughout the Scout movement.<ref name="scoutshop">{{cite web | url=http://www.scouting.outdoors.ltd.uk/acatalog/stationary.htm | title = Example of Jagger's painting on scout merchandise | accessdate = 2006-07-06 }}</ref> A facsimile of the famous painting is on display in the Geneva headquarters building of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]].<ref name="pinetree">{{cite web | title = Robert Baden-Powell | publisher = Pinetree Web | url=http://www.pinetreeweb.com/B-P.htm | accessdate = 2006-05-01 }}</ref> |
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== Architecture == |
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The exhibition was augmented in 1971 by a bust of Baden-Powell, unveiled by Olave, Lady Baden-Powell. On the exhibition's 25th anniversary in 1986, the Duke of Kent re-opened the exhibition in a new setting.<ref name="factsheet" /> The Baden-Powell House regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on Scouting subjects, including (in 1976) an exhibition of [[stamp collecting|Scouting stamps]], [[book collecting|Scout book]] exhibitions, etc.<ref name="wood"/> |
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=== Architectural inspiration === |
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[[File:bphouse02.jpg|right|thumb|Baden-Powell House, side view]] |
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[[File:bphouse04.jpg|right|thumb|Baden-Powell House, front view]] |
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The house was designed by the architect [[Ralph Tubbs]] in 1956, whose works included the [[Dome of Discovery]], the highlight of the 1951 [[Festival of Britain]]. Tubbs' floor plans and a model of his design were displayed during a fundraising campaign and exhibition on 21 February 1957 in the Egyptian Hall of the [[Mansion House, London|Mansion House]].<ref name="wood" /><ref name="20cs">{{Cite web |title=Building of the Month February 2005 |url=http://www.c20society.org.uk/botm/granada-tv-building-manchester/ |access-date=2015-05-17 |publisher=The Twentieth Century Society}}</ref> |
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The six storied building is designed in the [[modern architecture|modern architectural style]], as pioneered by the Swiss architect [[Le Corbusier]] from the late 1920s onwards, and predominating in the 1950s. At Baden-Powell House, Tubbs made the first floor overhang the ground floor, a Le Corbusier architectural design choice to free the building from the ground, such as seen in his [[Pavillon Suisse]] at the [[Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris|Cité Internationale Universitaire]] in [[Paris]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Image of the Pavillon Suisse |url=http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/swiss/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109204400/http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/swiss/index.htm |archive-date=9 November 2007 |access-date=2015-05-17 |publisher=Galinsky}}</ref> |
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As an introductory part of the collection, a nearly 3 meter high statue of Baden-Powell has been erected in front of Baden-Powell House, the only [[granite]] statue in London. The sculptor was Baden-Powell's personal friend [[Don Potter]]. It was unveiled on [[1961-07-12]] by the Duke of Gloucester, as part of the official opening of the house.<ref name="wood"/> |
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Additionally, Le Corbusier's [[Sainte Marie de La Tourette]] priory in [[Lyon]] shows two floors of monk's cells with small windows, [[cantilever]]ed over the more open floors below, another design choice used by Tubbs in the facade of Baden-Powell House.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cities and Buildings Database: La Tourette Monastery |url=http://www.washington.edu/ark2/archtm/MLC127.html |access-date=2015-05-17 |publisher=University of Washington}}</ref> While Tubbs created Baden-Powell House in the modern architectural style of Le Corbusier, he used more architectural restraint in his own design choices. For example, he made the main visible building component brick rather than concrete. This heavier evolution of Le Corbusier's style was popular in England throughout the post-war years until replaced by the [[Brutalist]] style in the later 1960s.<ref name="cropplestone">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/worldarchitectur00copp/page/331 |title=World Architecture: an illustrated history |publisher=Hamlyn |year=1966 |isbn=0-600-03954-4 |editor-last=Copplestone |editor-first=Trewin |location=London |pages=[https://archive.org/details/worldarchitectur00copp/page/331 331–333, caption 1002 and onward to 341] |url-access=registration}}</ref> |
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==21st century== |
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{| cellpadding="1" style="float:left; border: 1px solid #8888aa; padding: 5px; font-size: 95%; margin: 0 15px 0 0px;" |
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Baden-Powell House was built to Tubbs' design by Harry Neal Ltd, for which they received the 1961 Gold Medal of the [[Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers]].<ref name="wood" /> At the opening, the house received the building design award for 'The building of most merit in London.'<ref name="factsheet">{{Cite web |title=Baden-Powell House |url=http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs295402.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041214094446/http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs295402.pdf |archive-date=14 December 2004 |access-date=2015-05-17 |series=Scoutbase Fact Sheet}}</ref> |
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| [[Image:bphbadgegreen.jpg|120px|center|Souvenir badge of Baden-Powell House, ca 1980]] |
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<!-- FAIR USE of bphbadgegreen.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:bphbadgegreen.jpg for rationale --> |
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=== Layout === |
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The hostel and conference centre is entered from [[Queen's Gate]] through a wide glazed [[Atrium (architecture)|atrium]] which serves as a large [[foyer]] containing the cafe. From the atrium the large hall is reached which can serve as an [[auditorium]] with seating for up to 300 people. The first floor has a restaurant seating 100 guests; the second floor has meeting rooms and conference facilities for groups up to 80 delegates per room.<ref>In American usage (where the ground level is termed the "first floor"), the restaurant is on the second floor and the meeting/conference rooms are on the third floor</ref> The upper floors contain 180 hostel bedrooms. |
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| [[Image:bphbadge80.jpg|120px|center|Souvenir badge of Baden-Powell House, 1980]] |
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<!-- FAIR USE of bphbadge80.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:bphbadge80.jpg for rationale --> |
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== Baden-Powell collection == |
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[[File:Robert Baden-Powell by Don Potter 1960 crop.JPG|thumb|upright|left|[[Statue of Robert Baden-Powell, London|Statue of Baden-Powell]] by [[Don Potter]]]] |
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| <small>Souvenir badges of<br/>Baden-Powell House</small> |
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For a number of years a notable collection of Baden-Powell memorabilia was displayed for visitors in 'The story of B-P' exhibition. This included many drawings and letters by Baden-Powell himself, such as the original of his ''[[s:Last message to scouts|Last Message to Scouts]]'', ''Laws for me when I am old'' and several [[first edition]]s of his books. The exhibition also displayed the original painting by [[David Jagger]], as presented to Baden-Powell on 29 August 1929 at the 'Coming of Age' [[3rd World Scout Jamboree]].<ref name="wood" /> This painting, a personal favourite of Baden-Powell, is often used in publications throughout the Scout movement.<ref name="scoutshop">{{Cite web |title=Example of Jagger's painting on scout merchandise |url=http://www.scouting.outdoors.ltd.uk/acatalog/stationary.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926173537/http://www.scouting.outdoors.ltd.uk/acatalog/stationary.htm |archive-date=26 September 2006 |access-date=2006-07-06 |publisher=[[The Scout Association]]}}</ref> The Baden-Powell memorabilia was later moved to the headquarters for Scouting in the UK, [[Gilwell Park]] and was instead replaced with a number of smaller displays available to the public in the reception area showing some traditional Scouting skills. |
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With special Scout atmosphere, Baden-Powell House provides a hostel and conference centre for people visiting London. Located in the middle of London's visitor area, known as [[Exhibition Road]], it is in short walking distance of the [[Natural History Museum]], [[Science Museum]], [[Royal Albert Hall]] and the [[Victoria and Albert Museum]]. The full address is 65-67 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5JS, reachable by [[public transportation]] through [[South Kensington tube station]] and [[Gloucester Road tube station]]. The hostel partipates in the [[YHA|Youth Hostel Association]], and is rated [[Star (classification)|Four Star]] by the Visit Britain Quality Assurance, and Mobility Level 1; also recent visitors rate it on average 4 out of 5.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g186338-d291627-Reviews-Baden_Powell_House_Hostel-London_England.html | publisher = TripAdvisor | title = Five visitor ratings for Baden-Powell House hostel | accessdate = 2006-07-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2798247-baden_powell_house_london-i | publisher = Yahoo Travel | title = Visitor rating for Baden-Powell House | accessdate = 2006-07-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Europe/United_Kingdom/England/Greater_London/London-309228/Hotels_and_Accommodations-London-MISC-BR-1.html | publisher = Virtual Tourist | title = Visitor rating for Baden-Powell House | accessdate = 2006-07-14 }}</ref> |
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A nearly three-metre high [[Statue of Robert Baden-Powell (London)|statue of Baden-Powell]], at the time the only [[granite]] statue in London, sculpted by his personal friend [[Don Potter]], was unveiled on 12 July 1961 by the [[Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester|Duke of Gloucester]] as part of the official opening.<ref name="wood" /> It was located outside the main entrance to the building for the duration of its time owned by the Scout Association and was moved in August 2021 to Gilwell Park. |
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== See also == |
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[[Image:Bpstatue.jpg|thumb|right|Statue of [[Robert Baden-Powell|Baden-Powell]], in front of Baden-Powell House in London.]] |
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{{Portal|Scouting|England}} |
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The hostel and conference centre is entered through a wide glazed [[atrium]] which serves as a large [[foyer]] containing the cafe and the exhibition centre. From the atrium the large hall is reached which can serve as as an [[auditorium]] with seating for up to 300 people. The first floor has a [[restaurant]] seating 100 guests; the second floor has meeting rooms, and conference facilities for groups up to 80 delegates per room. The upper floors contain 180 hostel bedrooms. Baden-Powell House was designed specifically for members of the Scout Movement. Nonetheless, it has always been fully open to family members of Scouts at reduced prices and to the general public at competitive commercial rates. In an average year, 30 thousand people spend the night, and 100 thousand meals are served in the restaurant.<ref name="factsheet"/> Souvenir badges and other Baden-Powell House merchandise can be purchased from the reception desk. |
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* [[Baden-Powell International House]], 25-story hotel of The Scout Association of Hong Kong in Kowloon, Hong Kong |
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* [[Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation|Ellsworth Augustus Scout House]], the Boy Scouts of America hostel, in Mendham, New Jersey, US |
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* [[Jamboree on the Air]], call sign for Baden-Powell House is GB3BPH |
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* [[Kandersteg International Scout Centre]] |
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* [[Scout Adventures (The Scout Association)]] |
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== References == |
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From 1974 to 2001, Baden-Powell House was the [[headquarter]]s of The Scout Association, for which a dedicated extension to the house was completed in 1976. In April 2001 the headquarters formally moved to new accommodation at [[Gilwell Park]], but Baden-Powell House still facilitates various departments of The Scout Association. As the owner of Baden-Powell House, The Scout Association receives a net income out of the revenues of approximately £1.5 million.<ref name="factsheet" /><ref>{{cite book | first = John | last = Bevan | title = Annual report & accounts 2000–2001 | publisher = [[The Scout Association]] | date = 2001 }}</ref><ref name="annreport">{{cite book | first = John | last = Asplin | title = Join the adventure. Annual Report 2004–2005 | publisher = [[The Scout Association]] | date = 2005 }}</ref> |
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{{Reflist}} |
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== External links == |
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Baden-Powell House is one of the four [[Scout Activity Centre]]s of The Scout Association, together with [[Youlbury Scout Activity Centre|Youlbury]], [[Downe Scout Activity Centre|Downe]], and [[Gilwell Park]]. |
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{{Commons}} |
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{{Spoken Wikipedia|Baden-Powell House.ogg|date=2006-11-11}} |
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* [https://www.mpw.ac.uk/queens-gate-house/ Official website of the Queen's Gate House] |
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* [http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=526489&y=178986&z=1&sv=526489,178986&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf Location of Baden-Powell House on Streetmap] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614200118/http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=526489&y=178986&z=1&sv=526489,178986&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf |date=14 June 2015 }} |
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{{Scouting|places}} |
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==See also== |
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{{ |
{{Hostels}} |
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{{portalpar|Scouting|Scoutsgreengoldnoscroll.png}} |
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*[[Baden-Powell International House]], 25-story hotel of [[The Scout Association of Hong Kong]] in [[Kowloon]], [[Hong Kong]] |
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*[[Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation|Ellsworth Augustus Scout House]], the [[Boy Scouts of America]] hostel, in [[Mendham, NJ]], [[United States]] |
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*[[Exhibition Road|Exhibition Road, Kensington, London]] |
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*[[International Scouting Collectors Association]] |
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*[[Jamboree on the Air]], call sign for Baden-Powell House is GB3BPH |
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*[[Kandersteg International Scout Centre]] |
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*[[Scout method]] |
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==References== |
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<div class=references-small><references/> |
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</div> |
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{{Coord|51.4955|N|0.1795|W|type:landmark_region:GB|display=title}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/bpactivity.html Official website of Baden-Powell House scout activity centre] |
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*[http://www.scouts.org/uk/nationalcentres/bpconference.html Official website of the Baden-Powell House conference centre] |
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*[http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=526489&y=178986&z=1&sv=526489,178986&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf Location of Baden-Powell House on Streetmap] |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in |
[[Category:Buildings and structures in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea]] |
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[[Category:Scouting |
[[Category:Scouting spoken word files]] |
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[[Category:Scouting museums]] |
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[[Category:Biographical museums in London]] |
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[[Category:Museums in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea]] |
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[[Category:Residential buildings completed in 1961]] |
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[[Category:Hostels in the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:South Kensington]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:47, 1 July 2024
| Queen's Gate House | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Former names | Baden-Powell House |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Modern architecture |
| Address | 65 Queen's Gate |
| Town or city | Kensington London, SW7 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Completed | 12 July 1961 |
| Cost | £400,000 |
| Client | The Scout Association |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Ralph Tubbs |
| Structural engineer | Harry Neal Ltd. |
| Website | |
| www | |
Queen's Gate House, still commonly known by its previous name of Baden-Powell House, is a conference centre in South Kensington, London. It was built as a tribute to Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, and has served as the headquarters for The Scout Association, as a hostel providing modern and affordable lodging for Scouts, Guides, their families and the general public staying in London and as a conference and event venue.
The building committee, chaired by Sir Harold Gillett, Lord Mayor of London, purchased the site in 1956, and assigned Ralph Tubbs to design the house in the modern architectural style. The foundation stone was laid in 1959 by World Chief Guide Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, and it was opened in 1961 by Queen Elizabeth II. The largest part of the £400,000 cost was provided by the Scout Movement itself and the building previously included a number of tributes to the founder including hosting a small exhibition about Scouting, and a granite statue of Baden-Powell by Don Potter located outside the building.
Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in numbers of Scouts using the facility, the Scout Association sold the building to Mander Portman Woodward who run it as an events and conference venue and are converting the hostel rooms into boarding accommodation for students.[1][2][3]
History
[edit]Construction
[edit]| From an address by Elizabeth II[4] |
| Baden-Powell himself has gone, but his Movement remains and grows—a memorial more enduring than stone or steel. It is fitting, however, that here in England, where he started it, there should be a house bearing his name and serving the needs of the Movement, expressing our gratitude in a practical way. |
Acting on a 1942 initiative by Chief Scout Lord Somers, a formal Baden-Powell House Committee was established by The Scout Association in 1953 under the direction of Sir Harold Gillett, later Lord Mayor of London. The committee's directive was to build a hostel to provide Scouts a place to stay at reasonable cost while visiting London. For this purpose, in 1956 the committee purchased a bombed-out property at the intersection of Cromwell Road and Queen's Gate at a cost of £39,000.[4][5]
The Scout Movement raised the major part of the funding of £400,000 for building and furnishing the building between 1957 and 1959. Scouts throughout the country collected 'ship' halfpennies, and this raised the bulk of the money for the building.[5] Money was also raised through public appeals supported by publication in Scout Movement magazines, a collection of donations in 15,000 brick-shaped boxes, and 5,000 appeal letters signed personally by then Chief Scout Lord Rowallan.[4] Scouts representing every county were present at the opening.
In a celebration on 17 October 1959 the foundation stone was laid by the World Chief Guide (Olave Baden-Powell), in the presence of Lord Mayor Sir Harold Gillett, the new Chief Scout Sir Charles Maclean, and 400 other guests. A casket was buried under the foundation stone which held 1959 Scout mementoes, stamps, coins, photographs, etc., and a programme of the ceremony.[4][5]
Use by the Scout Association
[edit]With 142 Queen's Scouts as Guard of Honour, and live broadcast by the BBC (commentator Richard Dimbleby), Baden-Powell House was opened on 12 July 1961 by Queen Elizabeth II.[6] Afterwards, she toured the house with the Chief Scout and the president of The Scout Association, her uncle Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. A black marble panel with gold lettering was put on the balcony in the hall to commemorate the event.[4][5]
From 1974 to 2001, Baden-Powell House was the headquarters of The Scout Association, replacing their previous location in Buckingham Palace Road for which a dedicated office extension to the house was opened by the Queen in November 1976.[7][8] As the association had expanded, the staff were split between Baden-Powell House and Gilwell Park in the historic White House.[8] In 1987 elements of the building were adapted as an events and conference space, expanding the appeal of the building more broadly. In 1993, the Scout Association took the decision to relocate their headquarters and all of their staff to a new purpose-built building at Gilwell Park housing all the association's staff.[8] The decision was in part led by the deteriorating condition of the historic White House at Gilwell Park with the three phase project concluding in April 2001 when the headquarters formally moved to Gilwell House.[8] As part of this development, the adjoining office block was sold to raise funds for the new construction.[9] As the owner of Baden-Powell House, The Scout Association received at this time a net income out of the revenues of approximately £1.5 million.[10][11][12][13]
Thirty-five years after its opening, Baden-Powell House was refurbished in a six-month £2 million programme, providing all modern amenities such as private facilities for all rooms, double glazing, and air conditioning, as well as enhancing conference facilities for large and small events. Upon completion of the programme, the house was opened by the president of The Scout Association, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent on 5 June 1997.[14][15] A museum to the life of B.P., "The Baden-Powell Story",[16] was housed at the site.[17]
Since its inception, Baden-Powell House provided a hostel for people visiting London,[18] and since 2001 this became the main focus of the building. In the period 2004–2006 the hostel participated in the Youth Hostel Association, after which the Scout Association entered into an agreement with German company Meininger Hotels with Scout members from the UK and abroad being able to stay at a reduced rate. It remained owned by the Scout Association, and advertised alongside the Gilwell Park Conference Centre and the Scout Activity Centres. At its peak, it saw on average 30,000 people spending the night and 100,000 meals served in the restaurant.[10]
Use by Mander Portman Woodward
[edit]In November 2020 it was announced that the Scout Association would sell the building as a result of the impact of the 2020 Covid crisis on the Scout Association's revenues.[19][1] In March 2021, the property was valued at £46 million.[20] The sale was completed in August 2021 to an independent school Mander Portman Woodward whose London campus is located in converted town houses a short distance away in Queen's Gate. They plan to retain the events and conference facilities as well as adding other bespoke teaching areas, including an art studio, and converting the hostel rooms into boarding accommodation for international students and students over the age of 14 years from September 2022.[3]
Architecture
[edit]Architectural inspiration
[edit]
The house was designed by the architect Ralph Tubbs in 1956, whose works included the Dome of Discovery, the highlight of the 1951 Festival of Britain. Tubbs' floor plans and a model of his design were displayed during a fundraising campaign and exhibition on 21 February 1957 in the Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House.[4][21]
The six storied building is designed in the modern architectural style, as pioneered by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier from the late 1920s onwards, and predominating in the 1950s. At Baden-Powell House, Tubbs made the first floor overhang the ground floor, a Le Corbusier architectural design choice to free the building from the ground, such as seen in his Pavillon Suisse at the Cité Internationale Universitaire in Paris.[22]
Additionally, Le Corbusier's Sainte Marie de La Tourette priory in Lyon shows two floors of monk's cells with small windows, cantilevered over the more open floors below, another design choice used by Tubbs in the facade of Baden-Powell House.[23] While Tubbs created Baden-Powell House in the modern architectural style of Le Corbusier, he used more architectural restraint in his own design choices. For example, he made the main visible building component brick rather than concrete. This heavier evolution of Le Corbusier's style was popular in England throughout the post-war years until replaced by the Brutalist style in the later 1960s.[24]
Baden-Powell House was built to Tubbs' design by Harry Neal Ltd, for which they received the 1961 Gold Medal of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers.[4] At the opening, the house received the building design award for 'The building of most merit in London.'[10]
Layout
[edit]The hostel and conference centre is entered from Queen's Gate through a wide glazed atrium which serves as a large foyer containing the cafe. From the atrium the large hall is reached which can serve as an auditorium with seating for up to 300 people. The first floor has a restaurant seating 100 guests; the second floor has meeting rooms and conference facilities for groups up to 80 delegates per room.[25] The upper floors contain 180 hostel bedrooms.
Baden-Powell collection
[edit]
For a number of years a notable collection of Baden-Powell memorabilia was displayed for visitors in 'The story of B-P' exhibition. This included many drawings and letters by Baden-Powell himself, such as the original of his Last Message to Scouts, Laws for me when I am old and several first editions of his books. The exhibition also displayed the original painting by David Jagger, as presented to Baden-Powell on 29 August 1929 at the 'Coming of Age' 3rd World Scout Jamboree.[4] This painting, a personal favourite of Baden-Powell, is often used in publications throughout the Scout movement.[26] The Baden-Powell memorabilia was later moved to the headquarters for Scouting in the UK, Gilwell Park and was instead replaced with a number of smaller displays available to the public in the reception area showing some traditional Scouting skills.
A nearly three-metre high statue of Baden-Powell, at the time the only granite statue in London, sculpted by his personal friend Don Potter, was unveiled on 12 July 1961 by the Duke of Gloucester as part of the official opening.[4] It was located outside the main entrance to the building for the duration of its time owned by the Scout Association and was moved in August 2021 to Gilwell Park.
See also
[edit]
- Baden-Powell International House, 25-story hotel of The Scout Association of Hong Kong in Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Ellsworth Augustus Scout House, the Boy Scouts of America hostel, in Mendham, New Jersey, US
- Jamboree on the Air, call sign for Baden-Powell House is GB3BPH
- Kandersteg International Scout Centre
- Scout Adventures (The Scout Association)
References
[edit]- ^ a b Delahunty, Stephen (6 November 2020). "Scouts to sell two properties and make 100 redundancies". Third Sector. Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "Queen's Gate House". Mander Portman Woodward. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Exciting new landmark on the horizon for international students in London". Mander Portman Woodward. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Wood, Edward (April 1971). The story of B.-P.'s House. London: The Scout Association. ISBN 0-85165-016-3.
- ^ a b c d James, Chris (2014). A History of Scouting in 100 Objects. London: The Scout Association. p. 80.
- ^ "Queen Opens B-P House 1961". britishpathe.com. 17 July 1961.
- ^ An Official History of Scouting. London: Hamlyn. 2006. p. 182. ISBN 9780600613985.
- ^ a b c d Rogers, Peter (2006). Gilwell Park and the White House: A brief history and guided tours. Peter Rogers. p. 21.
- ^ Rogers, Peter (2006). Gilwell Park and the White House: A brief history and guided tours. Peter Rogers. p. 69.
- ^ a b c "Baden-Powell House" (PDF). Scoutbase Fact Sheet. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 December 2004. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Bevan, John (2001). Annual report & accounts 2000–2001. The Scout Association.
- ^ Asplin, John (2005). Join the adventure. Annual Report 2004–2005. The Scout Association.
- ^ Cohen, Susan (2012). The Scouts. Oxford: Shire Publications. p. 50. ISBN 9780747811510.
- ^ "Baden-Powell House International Centre re-opened by HRH The Duke of Kent" (PDF). The Passing years, Milestones in the progress of Scouting. The Scout Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 July 2006. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ An Official History of Scouting. London: Hamlyn. 2006. p. 184. ISBN 9780600613985.
- ^ Briggs, Asa (2001). "Victoria's Empire". British Heritage. 22 (4): 26. EBSCOhost 4397196.
- ^ Dorn, J (2007). "Albertopolis in South Kensington". British Heritage. 28 (4): 21–24. EBSCOhost 25579912. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
- ^ Hargan, Jim (July 2007). "Brownsea Island and the BIRTH of SCOUTING". British Heritage. 28 (3). EBSCOhost 24829455.
- ^ "Scouts announce plan to protect movement's future". scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. p. 24. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
- ^ "Statements of cash flows". scouts.org.uk. The Scout Association. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ "Building of the Month February 2005". The Twentieth Century Society. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Image of the Pavillon Suisse". Galinsky. Archived from the original on 9 November 2007. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Cities and Buildings Database: La Tourette Monastery". University of Washington. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ Copplestone, Trewin, ed. (1966). World Architecture: an illustrated history. London: Hamlyn. pp. 331–333, caption 1002 and onward to 341. ISBN 0-600-03954-4.
- ^ In American usage (where the ground level is termed the "first floor"), the restaurant is on the second floor and the meeting/conference rooms are on the third floor
- ^ "Example of Jagger's painting on scout merchandise". The Scout Association. Archived from the original on 26 September 2006. Retrieved 6 July 2006.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Baden-Powell House.
- Official website of the Queen's Gate House
- Location of Baden-Powell House on Streetmap Archived 14 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine