Alterations: 170 Queen's Gate

Norman Shaw designed this house for Frederick Anthony White, a wealthy cement manufacturer and amateur of art and architecture. It was completed in 1889. The initials of the first owner and his wife may be seen on the rainwater heads on the south façade, and the White family crest forms part of the decoration of the front door. Mr White seems to have been very proud of his house and issued a portfolio of photographs in the early nineties, with exterior and interior views of his home. "When Mr Fred White lived there, with all his beautiful things round him, it was one of the most attractive houses in London" wrote Sir Reginald Blomfield in his biography of Shaw. Imperial College became interested in the house after the war, and finally obtained vacant possession in 1960.  It was agreed that the house should be adapted for use by the Governing Body and the Senior Common Room, with provision for the Rectors Lodging and other staff accommodation. The consulting architect to the College, Sir Hubert Worthington, was at first in charge of these alterations, which were continued by Mr T W Sutcliffe and completed in 1962. Dame Sylvia Crowe designed the landscaping of the garden, the original southern boundary wall was moved, and some minor architectural features were changed. [2003 Imperial College London ]