Campaigners Advocate for Cultural Centre at William Blake’s Former Mayfair Home
n the heart of Mayfair, a significant cultural debate is unfolding over 17 South Molton Street, the former residence of esteemed poet and artist William Blake. Blake, renowned for works like “Jerusalem,” resided here for 17 years, during which he created some of his most influential pieces. Today, this historic site faces potential transformation into luxury flats, sparking a campaign to preserve it as a cultural centre and educational hub.
The William Blake Fellowship, a dedicated group of enthusiasts, is leading the charge to convert Blake’s erstwhile home into a museum and cultural centre. Their vision is to honour Blake’s legacy by providing a space where the public can engage with his life and works. Catherine Kelly, Chair of the Fellowship, emphasised the longstanding desire to preserve this site, stating,
“We urge the Grosvenor Group and key stakeholders not to shy away from working in the type of partnership that has enabled other cities in Europe to create the long-standing, successful, historic houses of their national icons.”
The London Assembly has expressed unanimous support for this initiative. In a recent motion, Assembly Member Marina Ahmad highlighted the unique opportunity to transform Blake’s residence into a world-class cultural and educational hub, honouring his legacy while boosting the local economy. The Assembly has called upon Mayor Sadiq Khan to engage with the William Blake Fellowship and other stakeholders to realise this vision.
However, the path to preservation faces challenges. The Grosvenor Group, which owns the property, has plans to redevelop South Molton Street into a destination of international significance for the West End, including luxury flats and commercial spaces. Despite this, a spokesperson for Grosvenor stated that they
“remain open to the William Blake Fellowship’s proposals and will continue this dialogue.”
Time is of the essence. With the bicentenary of Blake’s death approaching in 2027, campaigners are keen to see the cultural centre established to commemorate this milestone. The Fellowship has submitted an application for Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding and is in discussions with Westminster Council to change the building’s use from a private residence to a cultural centre.
This endeavour mirrors successful preservation efforts of historic homes across Europe, such as those of Mozart and Rembrandt, which have become thriving visitor attractions. The proposed William Blake cultural centre aims to not only celebrate his artistic contributions but also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth and cultural enrichment.
As discussions progress, the future of 17 South Molton Street hangs in the balance. The collaboration between cultural advocates, governmental bodies, and private developers will determine whether this historic site becomes a beacon of cultural heritage or is transformed into modern luxury accommodations.
For more updates on this developing story and further insights into London’s cultural heritage, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments below.
[Image Credit: Artnet]
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