A Community Hub

Lauderdale House was once just a semi-derelict shell. Yet even in its fire-damaged state the building inspired writer and artist Sasha Young to launch a campaign that led to its new life as an arts and education centre.

In 1971 Sasha founded the Friends of Lauderdale House, a group of local people united in their passion to save the building. At first, the Friends wanted to use the building as the central hub for a new type of school. They changed their plans when they realised the enormous resources needed to make this happen.

However, agreeing their overall goal was less of a challenge than the House’s ownership. At the time, it was managed by Camden Council, who spent several years deliberating its future.

The roof and much of the upper floor of Lauderdale House were destroyed by fire in 1963. Even after the damage was dealt with, the House remained closed. All because no one knew what to do with it.

After the fire, the Greater London Council reroofed the building. They then handed it over to Camden Council, who spent several years considering their options. When they couldn’t come up with a viable plan for using the building they asked if they could give it back. The Greater London Council never replied.

In 1976 Camden finally invited interested groups to apply to lease the building. The winning proposal came from Sasha Young and the Friends of Lauderdale House, who set up a charity to create an arts and education centre. The group partially restored the ground floor before opening Lauderdale House to the public in 1978.

When Sasha Young first walked into Lauderdale House in 1971, it was full of garden furniture and lawn mowers. Even so, Sasha saw its potential as a place that could inspire young minds.

Sasha and the Friends of Lauderdale House wanted the building to become the central hub in a new type of school. Its pupils would travel around London, taking classes in local businesses, government offices, parks and museums.

This ‘school without walls’ would have needed so much funding that the Friends ended up changing their plans. Sasha’s original vision may not have been achieved, but her passion, commitment and organisational skills are the reason we are here today. And education and learning sit right at the heart of what we do.