Silent nights for Christmas at the Dennis Severs House in London
If you’re in London and would like to be magically transported back by candlelight through the centuries to a Christmas in 18th century East London, then visit the Dennis Severs House in Shoreditch.
The house is set in a Georgian Terrace close to Spittlefield market and is like a stage set for an 18th century costume drama, where the family who lived there have just left the room. The house was created by an American, Dennis Severs, who lived in the house, in it’s unmodernised state just as you see it, until his death in 1999. He created the house as a sensory experience which would transport visitors away from the modern world into a bygone era. For Christmas, the house is open every evening for you to enjoy in silence by candlelight, soaking up the atmosphere.
The imaginary family who live in the house are Mr Jervis, a prosperous silk-weaver and his wife Mrs Jervis. Throughout the house you experience their daily domesticity and their treasured possessions artfully arranged to hint at their lifestyle and character. In the front dining room, the table is set as if they’ve just finished dinner and overhear the daily chatter of the household.
Below stairs, in the cosy kitchen, the embers are glowing in the grate of the iron range and the kettle’s about to boil. On the first floor, in the somewhat grander drawing room with green painted panelling and printed chinz drapes, Mrs Jervis has been entertaining guests with her best china and tea caddy ready on the table. Upstairs in the bedroom, we find an imposing four-poster with Mrs Jervis’ best dress hanging out and ribbons and feathers on the dressing table to ornament her hair.
The Dennis Severs House will be open with their Silent Night Christmas installation every weekday night through December until 12th night on 6th January between 6 and 9pm. Places are £15 and must be booked in advance by e-mail or telephone. In addition, the house will also be open as usual every Sunday between 12 and 4pm with last admission at 3.15pm, with no booking required at a cost of £10 per person.
Website: www.denissevershouse.co.uk
Book by e-mail: info@DenisSeversHouse.co.uk
Book by Telephone: 020-7247 4013
Dennis Severs’ House
18 Folgate Street
Spitalfields
London E1 6BX
