Sambourne House: A Glimpse into Victorian Life
Hidden in the heart of Kensington, Sambourne House is a rare and exquisite time capsule of the late Victorian era. This beautifully preserved townhouse, once the home of the renowned illustrator Edward Linley Sambourne, offers an unparalleled insight into the aesthetic movement and the daily life of an upper-middle-class artist in the late 19th century. With its sumptuous interiors, intricate detailing, and rich artistic heritage, Sambourne House stands as a testament to an era when craftsmanship, decoration, and individuality flourished.
As part of our Continuing Professional Development this year we are planning on a whole year of historic homes, this our second visit, we visited Sambourne house to immerse ourselves in the craft and history of one of London’t quintessential Victorian homes. You can read our blog post on Leighton House which we visited first.
Sambourne House, located at 18 Stafford Terrace in Kensington, was designed and built as part of a speculative development by Joseph Gordon Davis, a local builder and developer. Davis constructed the house in 1872, along with other houses in the terrace, to cater to the growing middle-class demand for well-appointed homes in the area during the Victorian period.
Interestingly for me, I had worked on a house on this road many years ago in 2012, so it was nice to be back.
The architectural style of the house reflects the typical Victorian terraced home of the time, with features such as tall ceilings, decorative cornices, and bay windows. While the exterior and structural design were standard for the era, it was Edward Linley Sambourne who transformed the interior into a unique expression of the Aesthetic Movement through his choice of furnishings, wallpapers, and an eclectic collection of art and objects.
18 Stafford Terrace - once the home of Linley and Marion Sambourne and their family. Lived in by his family until the 1980s. Last decorated in the 1880s!
A Home Frozen in Time
Unlike many historic houses that have been restored or repurposed, Sambourne House remains remarkably intact. When stepping through its doors, visitors are transported back to the 1880s, surrounded by original furnishings, wallpapers, and collections that reflect Linley Sambourne’s passion for the decorative arts. Every room brims with ornate details, from hand-painted panels to the delicate tracery of William Morris wallpapers, creating a rich tapestry of the era’s artistic sensibilities.
Edward Linley Sambourne, a celebrated cartoonist for Punch magazine, moved into the house at 18 Stafford Terrace in 1875. Over the next three decades, he transformed it into a masterpiece of the aesthetic movement, a style that celebrated beauty, craftsmanship, and nature-inspired motifs. Unlike the heavy, dark interiors of high-Victorian design, the aesthetic movement embraced an airier, more intricate elegance, with influences drawn from Japan, the Middle East, and medieval revivalism.
Edward Linley Sambourne, cartoonist for Punch magazine,
Despite his artistic success, Linley never felt particularly wealthy. The house is a testament to finding clever ways to achieve a luxurious effect with a tight budget. His desire to create the 'gallery effect' on his walls meant he had to be resourceful. Instead of expensive oil paintings, he used photographs and illustrations to achieve the same visual impact at a fraction of the cost. Similarly, many of the fireplaces in the house are designed to look like stone but are actually made of wood. Even the parquet flooring in some areas is not solid wood but rather made from lino, cleverly designed to mimic the look of real timber. This use of cost-effective materials is a fascinating aspect of the home, revealing how the aesthetic movement could be embraced by those without great wealth. Another surprising detail is the veneered timber floorboards, an innovation that existed in the Victorian era but is often assumed to be a more modern development.
The Aesthetic Movement in Full Bloom
Sambourne House is a showcase of the aesthetic movement at its height. The interiors reflect a connoisseur’s taste, combining rich colours, delicate patterns, and a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western artistic influences.
One of the most striking aspects of the house is the extensive use of William Morris designs. Morris, one of the most influential designers of the 19th century, championed handcrafted beauty in an era of industrialisation. His wallpapers and textiles, featuring intricate botanical motifs, adorn many of the rooms, creating a sense of warmth and depth. Gilded frames, Japanese ceramics, and elegant furniture complete the aesthetic, making each space feel like a work of art in itself.
Wall papered ceiling with a gilded ceiling rose
In the ground floor breakfast room
The living room is particularly captivating, with its delicate red and gold wallpaper, an assortment of antique furniture, and intricate textiles draping the seating areas. The arrangement of objects was carefully curated to balance artistic harmony with the layered richness typical of Victorian interiors.
The living room once had large gas lit chandeliers which were removed when electricity became piped to the house, they were never replaced sadly
A Working Artist’s Home
Despite its lavish decor, Sambourne House was not just a showcase for beauty—it was also a functional home and workplace. Edward Linley Sambourne’s studio, filled with sketches, prints, and artistic tools, remains as a testament to his dedication to his craft. As an illustrator for Punch, his satirical and often politically charged work provided sharp commentary on the society of his time.
His artistic method was meticulous. Sambourne was an early adopter of photography, using it as a reference for his illustrations. His collection of photographic studies, often taken in this very house, offers fascinating insight into the working methods of a Victorian artist adapting to new technologies.
The house also provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of Linley Sambourne and his family. His wife, Marion, played a significant role in managing the household, and their letters and diaries reveal a vibrant social life intertwined with prominent figures of the time. Their children, Maud and Roy, grew up surrounded by an environment steeped in artistic endeavour, a far cry from the rigid formality of many Victorian households.
Interestingly, Linley’s great grandson, Antony Armstrong-Jones, went on to become a renowned fashion photographer. He later married Princess Margaret, bringing the Sambourne family into royal circles—a remarkable evolution from Linley’s own background as the son of a farrier.
The Influence of Japanese and Middle Eastern Art
One of the most distinctive aspects of the aesthetic movement, and of Sambourne House itself, is the influence of Japanese and Middle Eastern design. The craze for “Japonisme” swept through Europe in the latter half of the 19th century, as Japan opened its doors to international trade. Artists and designers were captivated by the elegance and minimalism of Japanese prints, ceramics, and lacquerware, incorporating these elements into their own work.
In Sambourne House, Japanese fans, screens, and ceramics are thoughtfully arranged among the richly decorated interiors, creating a dialogue between cultures that was both fashionable and deeply influential. Similarly, Middle Eastern textiles and patterns are woven throughout the decor, adding layers of visual complexity. The blending of these influences highlights the eclectic nature of the aesthetic movement, which embraced a diverse range of artistic traditions in pursuit of beauty.
The second floor bedroom named Anne, Countess of Rosse’s bedroom.
Note the large fireplace made to look like stone which is actually made from wood. Note also the door in the corner connecting to the back bedroom. This was so that the members of the house could communicate even if there was a burglary. The main doors to the bedrooms in the house all had double locks, the same as on the front door. At that time, there wasn’t the police force that we have today in place and people were very fearful of burglars.
The Preservation of Sambourne House
Following Linley Sambourne’s death in 1910, the house remained in the family for several generations, eventually being preserved as a museum. Today, it stands under the care of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, offering the public a rare opportunity to step inside a virtually untouched Victorian interior.
The house has been carefully maintained to retain its original character, ensuring that visitors experience it much as Linley Sambourne himself did. Guided tours provide deeper insight into the life and work of the artist, as well as the wider cultural movements that shaped his world. The authenticity of the space, combined with the remarkable level of detail in its preservation, makes Sambourne House an invaluable historical treasure especially for architects wishing to really engage with the detailing and craftsmanship of the Victorian era.
Lessons for Architects and Interior Designers
Sambourne House is an invaluable source of inspiration for architects and interior designers today. It demonstrates how a rich and layered interior can be achieved even with budget constraints. Key takeaways include:
Material Innovation: The use of painted wood to mimic stone, faux parquet in lino, and veneered floorboards highlights how appearance and craftsmanship can compensate for material limitations. This principle remains relevant for designers balancing beauty with affordability.
Layered Decoration: The house is a masterclass in texture and layering, from elaborate wallpapers to embossed metalwork and rich textiles. This approach can be adapted in modern interiors to create depth and warmth.
Eclectic Influences: The aesthetic movement's embrace of Japanese, Middle Eastern, and medieval styles encourages contemporary designers to blend different influences for a cohesive but intriguing design narrative.
Personalisation of Space: The home was curated with personality—every object, pattern, and colour tells a story. Modern interiors can take inspiration from this philosophy, creating spaces that reflect their inhabitants’ tastes and experiences.
Notable Details in Sambourne House
Victorian Tiled Flooring
The intricate tiled floor in the hallway (visible in one of the photos) showcases the bold geometric designs typical of Victorian interiors. The colour palette—warm browns, ochres, blues, and whites—adds a lively rhythm to the space. This serves as a lesson in how patterned flooring can be used to establish character and durability in a high-traffic area.
Encaustic glazed ‘Minton’ tiles
Decorative Ceilings and Wall Details
The highly ornate ceiling and frieze, complete with hand-painted botanical motifs and gilded mouldings, illustrate the Victorian passion for embellishment. The corner shelving displaying decorative plates enhances the aesthetic layering. This teaches that ceilings should not be overlooked in design—they provide an additional canvas for visual storytelling and impact.
Gorgeous, colourful decorative ceiling and wall features
Painted and Embossed Doors
Linley Sambourne’s doors are extraordinary, featuring hand-painted botanical panels, repoussé metalwork, and carved wooden details. The greenish-gold tones give the doors an opulent yet inviting feel. This detail highlights how doors can be designed as key elements in an interior rather than just functional openings. For modern interiors, bespoke or restored vintage doors can add richness and uniqueness to a space.
Family Coat of Arms
Linley and his wife had a coat of arms made for their family, which appears on one of the doors in the house. Given that Linley came from a modest background—his father was a farrier—this was likely a humorous, tongue-in-cheek gesture. This playfulness in interior details is a reminder that homes should not take themselves too seriously; injecting personality and wit can make a space feel more alive.
A Working Artist’s Home
Despite its lavish decor, Sambourne House was not just a showcase for beauty—it was also a functional home and workplace. Edward Linley Sambourne’s studio, filled with sketches, prints, and artistic tools, remains as a testament to his dedication to his craft. As an illustrator for Punch, his satirical and often politically charged work provided sharp commentary on the society of his time.
His artistic method was meticulous. Sambourne was an early adopter of photography, using it as a reference for his illustrations. His collection of photographic studies, often taken in this very house, offers fascinating insight into the working methods of a Victorian artist adapting to new technologies.
The house also provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of Linley Sambourne and his family. His wife, Marion, played a significant role in managing the household, and their letters and diaries reveal a vibrant social life intertwined with prominent figures of the time. Their children, Maud and Roy, grew up surrounded by an environment steeped in artistic endeavour, a far cry from the rigid formality of many Victorian households.
Interestingly, Linley’s grandson, Antony Armstrong-Jones, went on to become a renowned fashion photographer. He later married Princess Margaret, bringing the Sambourne family into royal circles—a remarkable evolution from Linley’s own background as the son of a farrier.
Why Sambourne House matters today
In a world increasingly defined by minimalism and digital technology, Sambourne House serves as a striking reminder of an era that valued craftsmanship, detail, and artistic expression. It challenges contemporary notions of interior design, encouraging an appreciation for layered, meaningful decoration rather than fleeting trends.
For architects, designers, and historians, the house is an extraordinary study in the relationship between art and living space. Every corner reveals an attention to detail that speaks of a time when interiors were seen as an extension of one’s intellectual and artistic identity.
Moreover, Sambourne House offers a personal connection to history. Unlike grand palaces or stately homes, it represents the life of a working artist—an individual whose home was not only a reflection of taste but also a place of creative endeavour. It allows us to imagine the daily rhythms of Victorian life, the conversations that took place in its rooms, and the inspiration that flourished within its walls.
Planning Your Visit
Sambourne House is located at 18 Stafford Terrace, Kensington, London, and is open to the public for informal and guided tours. Due to the delicate nature of the interiors, visitor numbers are limited. The intimate scale of the house means that every visit feels personal, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in its atmosphere. We were lucky enough to be shown around the house by a very knowledgable and interesting volunteer at the house Philip Downer who has his own interesting instagram page where he blogs on a new photo of London every day
Beyond Sambourne House, visitors interested in the aesthetic movement may also wish to explore nearby Leighton House, where we also visited - the former home of painter Frederic Leighton, which offers a contrasting but complementary view of Victorian artistic interiors.
Sambourne House is more than just a beautifully preserved Victorian home—it is a living museum of art, design, and personal history. Its rich interiors, carefully curated objects, and intimate atmosphere offer a rare glimpse into the world of a 19th-century artist and his family.