Could a house whisper secrets of literary giants and artistic endeavors? Here at Shelley House, it certainly does. Shelley House stands on the Chelsea Embankment. It carries a legacy woven with threads of poetic brilliance and architectural ingenuity. The original Shelley House, built in 1878, was home to Sir Percy Florence Shelley. He was the son of the renowned poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and the writer Mary Shelley. This initial structure, designed by Joseph Peacock, stood out amongst the terraced houses along the Embankment.
In 1898, the house embarked on a new chapter when Charles St John Hornby, a businessman and private printer, purchased it. Hornby ran the Ashendene Press, producing hand-printed limited editions, from the stable block at Shelley House. The house was not merely a residence, but a cradle of artistic creation. In 1912, Hornby commissioned Edward Prioleau Warren, a prominent Arts and Crafts architect, to rebuild Shelley House. The original structure was demolished, making way for a grander vision. The new design, though initially facing objections, eventually took form, showcasing Warren’s distinctive style and echoing a late-17th-century aesthetic.
The interior of Shelley House boasts exquisite details. The grand staircase, the ornate plasterwork, and the fireplaces all speak of a bygone era of elegance. Even today, amidst some modern alterations, the house retains much of its original charm, including the surviving panelling and timber flooring. During World War II, Shelley House served as WRNS quarters. Later, it became a staff training facility for WH Smith. Then it transformed into a women’s residence under the care of Opus Dei. Each transformation adds another layer to the house’s rich tapestry of stories. Today, Shelley House continues to stand proudly on the Chelsea Embankment. Its red brick facade and Portland stone dressings hint at the stories within. It is a silent witness to the lives and legacies of those who have graced its halls, a place where history, art, and architecture intertwine.