In 1893, a melody drifted from Downing College, composed by none other than Tchaikovsky himself. He was visiting his friend, F.W. Maitland, at West Lodge. Downing College, founded in 1800, stands as a unique blend of old and new in Cambridge. It’s the youngest of the old colleges and the oldest of the new, a testament to its unusual birth. Sir George Downing, whose family wealth originated from his grandfather, the builder of 10 Downing Street, bequeathed his fortune to establish this college. His will, drafted in 1717, stipulated that if his named heirs died without issue, a college bearing his name should rise in Cambridge. A legal battle ensued, delaying the college’s founding until 1800. Architect William Wilkins envisioned a grand, neoclassical design, the world’s first fully campus-based college plan. Financial constraints, however, resulted in only the East and West ranges being initially built. The iconic Paddock, a vast green space, occupies the spot where the fourth side of the quadrangle was intended to be. The college’s commitment to law and medicine, as specified in Downing’s will, has shaped its reputation. Downing has fostered prominent figures in these fields, as well as notable alumni like John Cleese and Thandiwe Newton. The Howard Theatre, a modern addition opened in 2010, stands alongside the historic buildings. The Heong Gallery, established in 2016, showcases modern and contemporary art. Downing College, despite its tumultuous beginnings, thrives as a hub of academic excellence and vibrant student life. Its blend of history, architectural beauty, and modern additions make it a truly captivating destination. The legacy of Sir George Downing, though delayed, has blossomed into a vital part of Cambridge University.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to