Clad in history and light, the Nash Conservatory stands before us. Originally gracing the gardens of Buckingham Palace, it journeyed here to Kew in 1836. Imagine the year 1836. King William IV decided the conservatory’s original position on the north side of the Palace wasn’t suitable for growing plants. Thus began its relocation brick by brick.
John Nash designed it in 1825. It stood as one of a pair of conservatories. Nash’s vision took root in a classical stone ‘Greek temple’ design.
Look closely at the east and west façades. Twelve Ionic columns line these sides. They are reputed to have come from Carlton House. Carlton House was once a mansion belonging to King George IV. Sir Jeffrey Wyatville adapted the building. He also designed King William’s Temple nearby. Wyatville wanted Portland stone columns on the north and south façades. However, costs intervened. Bath stone pilasters were substituted. Decorative carving was forgone.
Step inside the Nash Conservatory. Notice the elegant use of cast iron posts and trusses. Six Ionic columns of Portland stone support a glazed classical pediment. These are on the east and west façades. The intermediate bays are fully glazed too. This allows daylight to stream in, illuminating the space.
Originally, a patent system heated the Nash Conservatory. A M Perkins designed it. Steam circulated through small bore coil pipes. Later, a large bore hot water system replaced it thirty years later.
The Nash Conservatory’s function evolved with the Botanical Gardens. At first, it housed Araucaria and Eucalyptus. Then, in 1854, it showcased Australian flora. By 1861, it was renamed the Aroid House. It became home to South East Asian Araceae. During the Palm House restoration in the early 1980s, it served as temporary accommodation for large palms.
After a period of disuse, the Nash Conservatory underwent full restoration. Today, it serves as a schools’ centre. Its versatility shines. Events like presentations, product launches, and even yoga lessons find a home within its walls. The Nash Conservatory can host up to 200 guests for dinners and receptions.
Picture a summer ball here. The utopian surroundings of Kew Gardens become show-stopping. Especially when spectacularly lit up at night. The Nash Conservatory, a magical venue, seamlessly blends history and horticultural charm. As the oldest of the 19th-century glasshouses at Kew, it connects us to the past while nurturing the future.