This tour is currently sold out. Please contact [email protected] or 413-446-8728 to be added to the waitlist.
The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this special tour of London, which will grant participants behind-the-scenes access to some of the city's most beautiful and architecturally-significant private homes and sites. The tour will be led by Clive Aslet, renowned architectural historian, author and former Editor-in-Chief of Country Life magazine.
This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note that a registration form and deposit must be submitted to Classical Excursions and a confirmation of receipt must be received from Classical Excursions in order to be considered registered for this program. Payment of the $500 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. To inquire about registration for this program, please contact Lani Summerville at [email protected] or 413-446-8728 or Tom Hayes [email protected] 413-243-4155.
Please note a fully tax-deductible donation of $500 per person is required to participate in this travel program. All travel program participants receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.
Spencer House
Participants will visit Spencer House, a tremendous neoclassical 18th Century private palace in London. The facades of the House were designed by architect John Vardy, while the interiors were designed by James Stuart.
Thematic House
Featured on the tour is a visit to Thematic House in Holland Park, owned by architectural critic and designer Charles Jencks. The House is an early Victorian villa featuring interiors by Jencks himself in collaboration with Terry Farrell.
Lancaster House
Participants will visit Lancaster House, which was completed in 1840 for the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland. When it was first completed, the House's interiors were a stunning backdrop for an impressive collection of paintings and objets d'art, much of which is still on view. Lancaster House has been a filming location for several notable films and television shows, including The Young Victoria and Downton Abbey.
Leighton House
During the tour, participants will visit Leighton House, the extraordinary private studio-house of Sir Frederic Leighton in the late 19th Century. Today, the house now exists as a museum featuring a fascinating collection of fine and decorative art.
The Albany
Participants will visit The Albany, a single three-story mansion facing a courtyard and flanked by wings, all built by Sir William Chambers in the 1770s. The Albany has been comprised of 69 beautiful apartments or "sets" since the early 1800s. The group will be accompanied by Tom Croft, the architect responsible for remodeling many of the apartments.
Kensington Palace
Participants will tour portions of Kensington Palace, the residence of several members of the Royal family. The group will be accompanied by architect John Simpson who designed the Palace's new public entrance loggia which connects the palace to the Kensington Gardens and new visitor spaces.
Seaford House
Featured on the tour is a visit to Seaford House in Belgrave Square, originally built in 1842. In 1902, the House was remodeled with an elaborate marble staircase, friezes, and paneling. At this time, it was considered one of the great London houses of the Edwardian era.
South Kensington Flat
Participants will enjoy an exclusive tour of the classically-inspired South Kensington flat shared by Hannah and Rachel Cecil Gurney, daughters of Claud Cecil Gurney, the founder of the luxury wallpaper house, de Gournay.
Bloomsbury Flat
Featured on the tour is a special tour of the rooftop flat of renowned architectural and interior designer Ben Pentreath and his partner, garden designer Charlie McCormick, located in Bloomsbury on Queen Square. The flat is located within a building dating from 1720, with the residence featuring rich colors and patterns throughout.
South London House
Participants will enjoy a special tour of the South London home of architectural designer Charles Rutherfoord and his partner Rupert Tyler, which combines the contemporary and classical styles and features a tremendous garden.
Knightsbridge Mansion
In Knightsbridge, the group will visit a lavishly-remodeled mansion created under the direction of architects Quinlan and Francis Terry.
Lancaster House (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Edwardx)
Seaford House (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Philafrenzy)
Spencer House (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Steve Cadman)
The Albany (Image: Wikimedia Commons/Tony Hisgett)
AIA Continuing Education Provider Information:
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the architectural history of London and learn about several century's worth of time in the history of London's built environment.
2. Learn about the specific architectural and artistic movements that have influenced the built environment of London.
3. Understand the architectural principles and building techniques used by the architects who designed many of the significant private homes of London, including John Vardy, Sir William Chambers, and others.
4. Understand the deep classical influences of much of London's architectural landscape.
Instructional Delivery Method: Live In-Person Learning Program
Approved LUs and Type: 25 AIA CES Learning Units|Elective
AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: April 23, 2022
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Introductory
Advance Learner Preparation: None
Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $500 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program. The contact information for ICAA tour operators is included on individual travel pages. Kindly note that the ICAA works with three different consultants for program offerings. If you are unsure which travel consultant to contact for a given program, you may email [email protected] or call 212-730-9646 x109
Your $500 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.
Yes, a donation of $500 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.
You can make your $500 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x109 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.
No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $500 required donation.
For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 860-926-4895. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.
Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected].