OXQ, 23 Blythe Rd, London W14 0QX
Blythe House is a listed building located at 23 Blythe Road, West Kensington, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, UK. Originally built as the headquarters of the Post Office Savings Bank, it is now used as a store and archive by the Victoria and Albert, Science and British Museums.
London, England is home to countless tourist attractions, from historic landmarks to modern marvels. One of the lesser-known destinations that visitors to the city should consider is the Blythe House Archive Building. This fascinating structure, located in the Kensington neighborhood, is a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Blythe House was originally built in the late 19th century as a storage facility for the Post Office Savings Bank. Over the years, it has housed a number of different government agencies and departments, including the Board of Trade, the War Office, and the Science Museum. In the early 2000s, the building was renovated and converted into a state-of-the-art archive facility for the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the Science Museum.
While the building itself is impressive, it is the collections housed within that truly make Blythe House a destination worth visiting. The archives stored here include a vast array of items from the Victoria and Albert Museum's collections, such as photographs, drawings, and textiles. The British Museum's collection of prints and drawings is also housed here, along with a selection of scientific instruments from the Science Museum's collection.
Visitors to Blythe House can take a guided tour of the facility, which includes a look at the state-of-the-art storage and preservation facilities, as well as a glimpse at some of the items stored here. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the collections, and visitors are sure to come away with a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of any visit to Blythe House is the opportunity to see some of the rare and unusual items stored here. For example, visitors might get to see the earliest known photograph of Queen Victoria, or a pair of gloves worn by Florence Nightingale. Other items of note include an ancient Egyptian papyrus scroll, a collection of historic London maps, and a selection of early medical instruments.
In addition to the guided tours, Blythe House also hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year. These might include talks by experts in various fields, workshops on topics such as preservation and conservation, or displays of rare and unique items from the archives.
Overall, the Blythe House Archive Building is a hidden gem in London's cultural landscape. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of archival preservation and collection, as well as the chance to see some truly remarkable historic artifacts. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone looking for something a little off the beaten path, Blythe House is well worth a visit.
| Thursday | 10 am–5:45 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 10 am–5:45 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5:45 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–5:45 pm |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5:45 pm |
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