
I have returned to drawing Holloway Road, the Great North Road – and paused to draw Dorset House in more detail. It caught my eye as it is quite small compared with its neighbours yet with a few faded classical details, it quietly holds its own.
Here it is in context with its neighbours:

I have tried to find out a little bit of the history of the building but not got very far until today perhaps…
We have been down to London to join today’s walk in support of Crohns and Colitis UK. The walk takes place every June, and around a thousand supporters walk through the City as a fundraiser and to raise awareness of this disease.

Walking has a lot in common with drawing as it allows you the time and space to enjoy details in the landscape and architecture you might otherwise miss. In this picture, we are walking along South Bank towards Southwark Bridge and you can just make out its trident lamposts above a band of green; here’s part of the bridge in detail:

Having only just finished drawing Dorset House, I immediately recognised the balustrade detailing and couldn’t help but wonder if it is by the the same architect. looking at the plaque, I see that Sir Ernest George designed this bridge.

I love finding little details like this. If you know anything about this architect, or Dorset House, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Thanks for reading.
Ronnie
Many thanks for doing this drawing of Dorset House. My 2 x great grandfather lived here in 1881. His name was Henry Appleby and his father in law who was the head of the house in 1881 (census) was a retired Policeman named Walter Tovey. Do you think it was originally one property? Any information would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Kevin Appleby
Kevinappleby61@gmail.com
Hi Kevin,
This is really interesting – thanks very much for letting me know. I feel pretty sure that this was originally one property but would have to look further into the local archives. Islington Library may be able to provide a bit more info. Thanks again Kevin. Ronnie