by Now this place is cool…
One of Fulham’s truly iconic buildings, the former headquarters of the North Thames Gas Board, which was given considerable – and lasting – appeal by the work of the famous artist who significantly embellished it.
The Piper Building is named after the famous mid-20th century British artist John Piper. Built for the gas company in the 1950s, Piper was commissioned in 1961-62 to create the colorful fiberglass exterior artwork known as the “Spirit of Energy.” Piper was primarily a painter, but also worked with craftsmen on public commissions; This was his second largest, after the baptistery window in Coventry Cathedral.
The panels are attached to the former exhibition building, which is now listed (the residential building is not listed), a two-story, white plastered building that originally housed conference rooms and an exhibition room built on slender columns above an entrance hall and an exhibition room below, which now serves as the impressive lobby entrance to the Piper residential building.
They are the only known example of a permanent outdoor work of art in John Piper’s extensive and diverse oeuvre.
The building was converted into residential use in the 1990s and over the years has become home to an eclectic mix of professionals and creatives, couples and families, attracted by the flexibility and variety of spaces available
And now the striking penthouse is available, which is sure to attract great interest.
The Piper Building Penthouse spans 8,000 square feet, providing each owner with exceptional space to utilize this lateral floor space and create an apartment that offers unparalleled space. There are no internal structural walls.
The current floor plan includes four bedrooms, two self-contained apartments and a magnificent 50-foot long “ballroom”. A rooftop studio space with access to terraces offering 360 degree views across the Thames and London to the Shard to the east, Wembley to the north, Richmond to the west and Crystal Palace to the south.
Lindsay Cuthill, co-founder of Blue Book Agency, comments: “The Penthouse at the Piper Building is a rare opportunity to own a piece of London’s mid-century architectural heritage. This extraordinary space, with its distinctive character and limitless adaptability, will appeal to anyone who values individuality and size.
“John Piper’s vibrant Spirit of Energy panels, mounted on the building’s heritage-listed exhibition block, are his only permanent outdoor artwork and add charm and artistic heritage to the building with their striking industrial design.
“Inside, the penthouse’s open floor plan includes an impressive 50ft ballroom and rooftop studio, perfect for an artist looking to create and exhibit their work, but the highlight is the stunning 360-degree views across London from the terrace the roof.” roof. From the Shard to the Crystal Palace, these views become a living canvas that evolves throughout the day and seasons. For the next owner, this space offers not only lavish luxury, but also an exceptional connection to a piece of British art history in a distinctively unique home.”
