Meet the Team: Appraisals Specialist Jake Elliott on the evolution of British Modernism
In our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we’re getting to know The Modern House staff. Here, we’re talking to Appraisals Specialist Jake Elliott about the evolution of British Modernism, from an early Bauhaus-style villa to a Brutalist penthouse.
Jake trained as an editorial intern at The Times before graduating with a masters in Modernist Literature from University College London. After writing for advertising studios, as well as The Times Literary Supplement, The Poetry Review and The Quietus, Jake joined The Modern House this year, bringing intellectual rigour and a passion for architecture to the appraisals team.
Sea Lane House, East Preston, West Sussex
“I think this is just an astonishing piece of design. It symbolises everything I think about when I think about the early days of continental Modernism: Germany, the Frankfurt School and the Marxist thinkers who helped shape the movement.
“This house is about space, light and simplicity – there’s nothing unnecessary about it – and I love that stark, jutting concrete exterior, which is balanced by the beautiful curves of the sun terrace. It’s wonderful that it’s on the south coast of England, rather than continental Europe.”
Shirley, London CR0
“This house is remarkable for so many reasons. As a piece of 1930s design, you can see something of the De Stijl movement in those bizarre, overlapping right angles.
“I don’t know a great deal about the architect, Sydney Gubby, but I do know that he was an amateur astronomer, and I love that he put in platforms in this house for stargazing– it’s so romantic, which is not always something you associate with Modernism. In addition, the fireplaces in these rooms are perfect, with simple clean lines.”
The Lubetkin Penthouse, Highpoint II, North Hill, London N6
“One of the highlights of this job is occasionally getting to go to Highpoint. Once inside, it feels like a time warp in the best possible way.
“You are transported to a piece of England that doesn’t exist anymore, with those beautifully manicured gardens and interiors that are overseen by the concierge. It feels like another time.
“The penthouse itself is beautiful. I love the tiles and that bare, curving white roof. The mixture of materials and the colour palette is incredible.”
Winter House, Swains Lane, London N6
“I’ll start by saying I want this, possibly more than I want any other house in the world; I absolutely love it.
“John Winter’s architectural vision is amazing. He represents a later period of Modernism and taught many architects we now consider to be High-Tech or Post-Modernists, such as Nicholas Grimshaw and Richard Rogers.
“I think what you see here is form following function in the most distilled manner. I love how the Corten steel exterior has aged with time, organically shaping the aesthetic.”
River Court East, Upper Ground, London SE1
“You’d be forgiven for thinking this had something to do with Denys Lasdun of National Theatre fame, but it was actually designed by Richard Seifert. He may not have always been the most popular architect, but I think buildings like this are helping people come around to his work.
“I grew up in the countryside and always longed to live in the city. I think the most exciting thing about this place is the idea that you could sit on the roof terrace, looking out over the Thames and the twinkling lights of Blackfriars Bridge and be sure you were in the beating heart of London.
“Even on a grey day, like when I visited, it’s still a magical place to be because you feel so connected to what’s going on around you. There aren’t many penthouses that offer you that connection; it’s rare.”
Read more: Meet the Team: Sales Advisor Lucy Roome’s favourite kitchens
