inner–london schools 1918–44 a thematic study - English Heritage

Appendix 4: A typology of school plans in use in London, 1918-44Few classifications of English school plans are apparent from a survey of the literature.Identifying groups of related schools is more than a taxonomical game: it is key tounderstanding the transmission of influence, the use of models, and processes ofstandardisation and development in the organisation of school buildings. The value ofa classificatory approach was demonstrated by Andrew Saint’s 1991 paper on boardschools, in which a detailed typology primarily based on analysis of elevations wasproposed. 1 The following miscellany of plan types employed in the period 1918-44 isbiased towards the elementary schools of the LCC, for the simple reason that their plansare more readily available than other types of school. 2 Unless otherwise specified, theschools were designed in the Architect’s Department of the LCC.• The Stowage plan is a compact, multi-storied, axial design, in which double-bankedclassrooms flank a projecting (and usually north-facing) central hall. The entrancesand stairs are either on the short ends or adjoin the hall. The plan was employed ona number of occasions by the School Board for London, Peckham Park, L B Lambethof 1876 being an early example. This plan was adopted as the principal model forelementary schools in 1917, named after a planned but unbuilt school at the Stowage,Deptford, L B Greenwich. 3 A similar model for central schools was named after FortRoad, L B Southwark of 1915. 4 The Department modified the design so no classroomscommunicate directly with the hall. The Archbishop Tenison’s Grammar school of 1928by A.H. Ryan Tenison is an example of a non-provided school built to the Stowage plan.Representative LCC AD examples include:Burrage Grove L B Greenwich 1922Adamsrill Road L B Lewisham 1922Webb Street L B Southwark 1922North Paddington Central L B Westminster 1925Raywood Street L B Wandsworth 1926Frankham Street L B Lewisham 1927-28Lena Gardens L B Ham. & Fulham 1928A later variant developed cross-wings containing additional classrooms and stairs, givingan H plan. This has an origin in Vauxhall Street, L B Lambeth of 1914, and went on to beemployed at:Bradmede L B Lambeth 1927 dem.Brockley Central L B Lewisham 1927 dem.Cephas Street L B Tower Hamlets 1928The Stowage model was further modified by the incoming divisional architect H.F.T.Cooper to open up the hall. By omitting the flanking classrooms, the ventilation andlighting of the corridor was also increased. This can be seen at:King’s Park L B Greenwich 1934Dunraven L B Lambeth 1934Charlton Manor L B Greenwich 1936Coopers Lane L B Lewisham 1936© ENGLISH H ER I TAG E 43 - 20 09103