As part of the Kensal Voices project, a series of Kensal House guided tours will take place on Saturday 30th November from 1pm to 4pm giving members of the public a wonderful opportunity to view this Grade II* listed building which was designed in 1936 by architect Maxwell Fry and social reformer Elizabeth Denby.
The Kensal Voices project was launched in April 2013 by the SPID Theatre Company, and has seen more than 30 people aged from 13 to 25 take part in various aspects of work celebrating and promoting Kensal House and its nine decade-long history. This year-long intergenerational heritage project has also been run in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum and the 20th Century Society, as well as being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
To help them develop these tours, the project’s young participants undertook extensive research and interviewed the residents of Kensal House. Other aspects of the Kensal Voices project saw them engage in journalism, design, multimedia, film, drama, music and architectural workshops run by industry professionals.
These interactive and performative tours will take place at fifteen-minute intervals in groups of up to five people. The tours will provide fascinating insights into the architecture of the estate and the social ambitions of the developers, as well as highlighting some of the forgotten stories of the building and its residents.
Olivia Jones (14), newly elected ambassador for Kensal Voices said about the project:
“In such a short time, I’ve met so many lovely, inspiring people who support and encourage me to learn and develop new creative skills.”
The SPID (Specially Produced Innovatively Directed) Theatre Company has received a number of awards since it was founded in 2005, including the First Light Award for Best Animation 2013 for the short film High Above the Sky. Its most recent production iAM will be touring schools for free in December. More details on the company can be found on its website www.spidtheatre.com.
Tours are free, but it is essential to book a slot in advance. To book a place, please call 07903 861674 or email youth@spidtheatre.com.
Kensal House Guided Tours
1pm – 4pm (last tour 3.45pm), Saturday 30th November 2013
Kensal House
Ladbroke Grove
W10 5BQ
