A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of visiting No. 18 Folgate Street in East London, the former home of the celebrated artist Dennis Severs. We were treated to an exceptional tour by Rupert Thomas, former editor of World of Interiors, whose insights made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Walking down the cobbled street, you’ll spot the charming façade of number 18, with its pillar-box red shutters and flickering lantern marking the entrance to Severs’ immersive world. The house, untouched since the 18th century, serves as Severs’ living art project—a beautifully preserved Georgian home that transports visitors back in time.
Severs, an American-born artist, transformed the house into a ‘still-life drama’, recreating the lives of a fictional Huguenot silk-weaving family, the Jervises. The rooms are meticulously staged with period furniture, half-eaten meals, unmade beds and fireplaces still smoldering—creating the sense that the occupants have just stepped out.
Visitors are encouraged to explore in silence, absorbing the rich multisensory experience of sights, sounds and scents that evoke a bygone era. Severs lived in the house until his death in 1999, constantly refining his vision, and today, the house remains a testament to his dedication to historical immersion and artistic innovation.
We loved the Pollocks Toy Museum pop-up room on the ground floor, which we had the chance to explore at the end of our tour. It’s a hidden gem and we highly recommend visiting it. Book your tour here: Dennis Severs House.