Chelsea mews extension will put us in a bad light, say artists

Painters and sculptors in a historic complex of studios are locked in a planning battle over a development they claim will block their light.

Artists have worked in Sydney Mews, Chelsea, for 130 years, and some of London's most famous monuments have been created there.

But a bitter row has erupted over plans to create a three-storey modern house with roof garden.

They are objecting to property developer Mike Crowther's intention to add to his Sixties property in the mews, which stands by the studios built there in the 1870s.

Several occupants have instructed lawyers to fight the proposals.

Painter Emma Sargeant is leading the campaign against the development. She said: "If the applicant wishes to have a bigger house perhaps he should sell it and move, instead of causing more crowding and disruption in Sydney Mews."

Leading graphic designer Pat Schleger, who is also fighting the plans, said it was vital to leave the character of the street intact: "There are so few studios left in London where they have a very interesting and outstanding history."

The studios, which are Grade-II listed, have been home to some of Britain's most talented artists. Alfred Gilbert created the Piccadilly Circus statue of Eros in the mews and Sir Joseph Boehm, who designed the sculpture of the Duke of Wellington at Hyde Park Corner, also had a studio there. So did Sir Edwin Landseer, who made the Trafalgar Square lions.

Resident painters have included portrait artist John Singer Sargent.

Mr Crowther, who uses the house as his London home, said he would appeal if permission was refused. He claimed some residents were determined that only working artists should be allowed to live in the mews.

"I am very upset by this," he said. "Anyone can see that the house is completely out of keeping with the rest of the mews. To put it bluntly, it is ugly. It sticks out like a sore thumb. Yes, I want an extra floor, but I also want to build something that is more in keeping."

Resident Paul Harlow said: "The studios whose light, outlook and history will be directly affected by this proposal include those of national, historical significance. Many significant 19th and 20th-century artists worked in these studios - Isadora Duncan first danced in London at theses studios and the suffragettes printed their material in a secret cellar at number five."

Kensington and Chelsea planners are expected to refuse the proposals at a meeting this week on the grounds that it will harm the architectural and historic character of the mews.