London’s Mews provide a perfect base to discover the arts and artists

Today, one of the many advantages of living in a London mews house is that you are usually within walking distance of a museum, art gallery, or landmark featured in a famous painting, sketch or photograph. There is something distinctly ‘boho-chic’ about the location of mews, stylish yet a little quirky, full of characterful charm and discreetly tucked away in quiet enclaves away from the city’s noisy distractions.

Lurot Brand has its own personal connection with art and the mews

The mother of Lurot Brand’s late founder Antoine Lurot, was the artist Doris Hope Lurot Betjeman (1915-2012), who painted in a variety of mediums from ink to oils. We are fortunate to possess a unique gallery of portraits of mews houses created over decades that capture the singular character of London’s mews.

Francis Bacon at work in Reece Mews

Francis Bacon, one of the most celebrated artists of the last century, found his inspiration when he moved to a modest South Kensington mews property at number 7 Reece Mews in the autumn of 1961.  Bacon said, “The moment I saw this place I knew that I could work here.”  Prior to arriving at the tiny first floor mews just 4 x 6 metres in size, Bacon had worked nomadically from various studios.  The paint splattered walls, stacks of canvases, photographs, newspaper cuttings, and empty champagne crates that filled Reece Mews became his artistic haven, where he produced his finest work until his death in 1992.

Running parallel to Reece Mews is Kendrick Mews off the Old Brompton Road, a small traditional cobbled cul-de-sac – both are home to a mixture of residential properties and local businesses. Kendrick Place links both mews and is home to Heritage Classic.  This iconic sales showroom has been in the South Kensington mews for over 60 years, offering a selection of high-quality classic cars for discerning collectors.  

Kendrick Mews street art

Kendrick Mews has always been frequented by antique dealers and artists and today a blue plaque commemorates Francis Bacon.  If you approach Kendrick Mews and Reece Mews from the Old Brompton Road, you will be struck by the most unusual street art on the side of a building.  The large mural painted by Johny Midnight also pays homage to former resident, Francis Bacon, who is included in the picturesque ski scene, which was commissioned in June 2015 by the long-standing ski property specialists, Erna Low Property. They operated in Reece Mews for over 60 years and were one of the first businesses to create a basement level office space.

Plentiful arts venues around the mews in and around Hyde Park you can find:

The Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park is probably one of the most well-known London galleries with free entry to exhibitions all year round; ideally close to the Royal Albert Hall for the proms and offers a prolific concert calendar.  Nearby, in Hyde Park Gate, is Gallery 1957 , a contemporary art gallery with spaces across Accra and Ghana, focusing on West African art and the diaspora, presenting artists exploring cultural background, identity and social history beyond Western narratives.

Notting Hill has always been a vibrant creative neighbourhood

We’ve listed our top five Notting Hill spots where the mews meets the arts – they’re definitely worth exploring.

• The Muse at 269 Portobello Road was established by artists in 2003 to support emerging contemporaries by combining creative and commercial concepts under one roof.

• HJ Art Gallery opened on London’s Kensington Church Street in 2019.  The gallery’s directors deal in fine art and antiques, spanning from ancient to modern.

• Notting Hill Arts Club referred to as the best basement in west London, opened its doors in 1997 as a celebration for live music, art and culture.  Lily Allen and Rita Ora performed their first gigs here, and many famous singers like Amy Winehouse, Gregory Porter and producer Mark Ronson have all played at the club in 29 Notting Hill Gate W11.

• The Tabernacle is one of the best kept secrets of the area, situated in a Grade II listed curved church building in Powis Square. It consists of a music hall upstairs, an art gallery downstairs, with an event hire space and a wonderful cafe with bar/restaurant.

• In neighbouring Holland Park, which lies within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the Leighton House Museum is worth a visit. This historic house and art museum was once the London home of the baronet, painter and sculptor Frederic Leighton (1830-1896).  The Grade II* listed building is a fine example of the Orientalist Aesthetic.

Whether you are already a mews resident or perhaps contemplating making a move to a mews, you will find a wealth and variety of arts, culture, classic cars and collectables from Kensington to Hyde Park.  Mews neighbourhoods are home to many fascinating characters, creators and creatives; living there offers an opportunity to experience and enjoy artists, musicians and makers whenever and wherever you choose.