Albertopolis Walking Tour: transcript - Royal Institute of British ...

10. Royal College of Organists
24.15mins
This unusual building was built in 1874-75 to
accommodate the new National Training
School for Music, later to become the Royal
College of Music. Interestingly the architect
was Lieutenant H.H. Cole, the eldest son of
Henry Cole, one of the main figures behind
South Kensington.
Lieutenant Cole, who gave his services for
free on the project, had great experience and
knowledge of Indian archaeology and
architecture. He had also catalogued the casts
for the Indian section of the South
Kensington Museum. This interest and
knowledge can be seen in his design, although
his father and members of the Science and
Art Department were also consulted.
Cole combined the Old English style of the
15 th century, with its large oriel windows,
timber framing and brackets, with Italianate plaster ornament and a polychromatic or multicoloured
façade, resulting in the building having quite a foreign feel.
It was intended that the school contrast with the neighbouring Royal Albert Hall, so red
brick and terracotta were avoided. Instead, cream, pale blue and maroon sgraffito, or incised
plaster decoration, was adopted. This decorative scheme was devised by F.W. Moody, who
had also designed for the South Kensington Museum. The frieze features numerous
musicians, reflecting the function of the building.
The building and school opened in May 1876, with Sir Arthur Sullivan, of Gilbert and
Sullivan fame, as its first principal. In 1883 the School was replaced by the Royal College of
Music, who were already preparing to move to a larger site by 1887. The building stood
vacant from 1896 until 1903 when the Royal College of Organists took a lease for the site for
99 years.
The organists left the building in 1990. Once again the building remained unoccupied for a
while, but it has now been converted and restored for use as a private house.
To reach the next stop on our walk follow the curving road round to the right, walking
down towards Bremner Road. Turn left on to Queen’s Gate and then take the immediate
first left turning into Prince Consort Road. Walk along Prince Consort Road until you come
to a church on the left hand side.
Pause the recording
Royal College of Organists, c.1876
Reproduced by permission of English
Heritage. NMR
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