The Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art was established in 1952 at the University of London. Until 2007 the collection was displayed at 53, Gordon Square.  Then the School of Oriental and African Studies commissioned a conservation statement in order to understand the importance of the building. This information was used to form a series of policies for the future management of the building. As the Foundation wished to review their options for the vacant space left by the relocation of the world-renowned ceramics collection to the British Museum.

Our assessment studied the building’s history, focusing on change in uses/ ownership and characters (‘Bloomsbury Group’) linked with it. There are two phases of development, with residential quarters being present in the period from 1851 to 1951 and the Gallery areas being dominant from 1951. Its interior character is given by the mix of original features and later additions. Damage from inappropriate or ill-planned repair and alteration were identified as being a potential threat to its cultural significance. The statement concluded that future changes should respect the historic character and appearance of the internal spaces, as well as its historic plan form before 1900.