53 Gordon Square, University College London

The Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, established in 1952 at the University of London, originally housed its renowned Chinese ceramics collection at 53 Gordon Square. In 2007, pending the relocation of the collection to the British Museum, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) commissioned a conservation statement to assess the building’s heritage value and inform future use. The assessment explored the building’s architectural history, including its evolution from residential use (1851–1951) to a place of study and learning (post-1951). It also highlighted associations with notable figures from the Bloomsbury Group. The interior reflects a blend of original Victorian features and later modifications, though some alterations or ill-planned repair were a potential threat to its historical integrity. The report emphasized the importance of preserving the original layout and interior character, especially features predating the 1900 plan form. A series of policies for the future management of the listed building addressed the vacant spaces. Recommendations focused on safeguarding the building’s cultural significance while identifying adaptive reuse strategies.