3-021-227 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Model dwellings in The Mall, Kensington, [London], 1868. 'This building is intended to supply a want severely felt; the object being to provide [housing], at a moderate cost, for a class somewhat above ordinary mechanics and labourers. [It] contains forty-eight separate tenements...The amount of accommodation differs, to suit large or small families; sixteen tenements having one bed-room, while twenty have two bed-rooms, eight have three bed-rooms, and four tenements have each four bed-rooms in addition to the living-room...Every tenement has a scullery, cistern, copper, sink, closet, coal bunker, dresser, kitchen-range with oven and boiler, and dust-shoot conveying dust and rubbish...The rooms are all lofty, and provided with fire-places, and with sash windows,...a plentiful supply of fresh air introduced through a system of hollow walls insuring ventilation without draught. The roof is flat, affording an excellent drying-ground. In the rear is an extensive open space set apart as a playground for the children of the residents only. Among the class of occupants are gentlewomen of limited means, governesses, artists, and skilled artisans. Messrs. Lucas Brothers are the builders, and Mr. James Murray, of Portman-street, is the architect'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.