Full Breakdown
Richard Rogers’ Wimbledon Home Donated to the National Trust
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Gift of 22 Parkside to the Nation
The modern-ist house at 22 Parkside, Wimbledon, designed by Richard Rogers and his first wife Su Rogers, has been transferred to the National Trust. The Grade II*-listed property will open for a single day on 12 September as part of London’s Open House Festival and will serve as an educational resource for schools and heritage organisations.
Background & Context – Architectural Significance
- Design and construction – Conceived in 1967 and built between 1968 and 1970 for Rogers’ parents, Nino and Dada Rogers, the house features a glass façade with bright-yellow steel ribs, a pottery-studio pavilion and an open-plan living area.
- Influence – The experimental layout informed later projects such as the Pompidou Centre, the Lloyd’s building and 122 Leadenhall Street.
Key Figures & Groups
- Richard Rogers (1933-2021) – Architect of the Lloyd’s building, the Pompidou Centre and Terminal 5.
- Su Rogers – Co-designer of 22 Parkside.
- Ben Rogers – Son, architect, who explained the family’s motivation.
- Ruthie Rogers – Widow, who highlighted his belief in public access.
- Hilary McGrady – Director-general of the National Trust.
- Norman Foster – Fellow architect who praised the house’s 1960s optimism.
- Catherine Croft – Director of the Twentieth Century Society.
Timeline
- 1967 – Design phase begins.
- 1968-1970 – Construction completed.
- 2013 – Grade II* listing awarded.
- 2024 – Public opening on 12 September.
Data & Statistics
- Construction period: 1968-1970.
- Listing grade: II*.
- Public opening: One-day event on 12 September.
Official Statements & Responses
National Trust director-general Hilary McGrady thanked the Rogers family, noting the house will become a shared inheritance. Ruthie Rogers said the donation fulfills her late husband’s aspiration for public access. Ben Rogers stressed the house’s role as a testing ground for ideas that shaped celebrated architecture and the family’s aim to safeguard it for future generations. The Trust announced guided tours, digital content and educational partnerships.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ National Trust director-general Hilary McGrady said: “We are profoundly grateful to the Rogers family for placing this extraordinary house in our care.” — Hilary McGrady
- “As a family, we wanted to ensure that this remarkable house would be protected, cared for and shared with future generations, rather than remaining a private asset.” — Ruthie Rogers
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise design date, with some citing 1967 and others focusing on unrelated projects. The exact size of the endowment supporting long-term stewardship is also unclear.
What’s Next – Future Plans for the House
The Trust will use the 12 September opening to launch regular guided visits, school collaborations and interactive digital experiences, positioning the house as a global resource for studying modern architecture. It also seeks further donations to sustain conservation and programming.
