AOC Archaeology Group

AOC Archaeology are the Heritage Consultants for the Streatham Hub redevelopment. This redevelopment will see the creation of a new retail and leisure hub in Streatham, replacing the existing buildings on the site; including the Swimming Baths, Ice Rink and Sunday School.

AOC have undertaken a historic buildings survey of these three buildings to record them for posterity and have also provided conservation advice throughout the project. After initial consultation with Lambeth Council’s Conservation Officer, Doug Black, and English Heritage it was decided that the ceiling glass in the Swimming Pool and the foundation plaque were to be kept as features within the new development. In addition other architectural features from the three buildings will be salvaged to be displayed in museum or local collections

Streatham Swimming Baths were designed by the Wandsworth Borough Architect, Ernest J. Elford, and were built in a neo-classical civic style, with some traditional Edwardian and modern elements. Construction began in 1924 but construction was delayed by The General Strike in 1926; the baths were finally opened on 28th September 1927. The cost of the building was £40,000.

The most decorative element was a set of four Art Nouveau stained glass panels in the roof, each with a twin fish design. These panels have been designated by Lambeth Council as worthy of preservation. The central panels of stained glass were removed for conservation on 10th October 2011. These panels will then be re-used as decorative elements within the new scheme. The glass removal and wrapping for storage was undertaken by Fleetwood Architectural Aluminium on behalf of Vinci Construction and was monitored by AOC Archaeology’s Emily Yates and Les Capon.

Access to the stained glass during removal was via a specially constructed scaffolding tower with a large working platform between each pair of windows. This provided an opportunity for much closer inspection of the panels. The two head-to tail fish of the central panel comprised a complex cut series of coloured panes of mixed green, blue and purple glass, forming the scales, fins, head and tail, with ruby red mouths. The central panel was constructed of six individual rectangular pieces, supported on iron glazing bars. The outer end panels were also formed of six pieces. Much of the glass was textured or opaque, adding to the effects of light on the windows. The style and design of the glasswork has much in common with the glazes and styles being used on early 20th century glass and ceramic vessels.

Each of the central stained glass panels has now been removed and safely stored so that they can be used as decorative features in the new scheme. None of the panels broke during removal, and no damage occurred. There were occasional cracked panes in the western pair of panels, but the lead cames between each pane was secure and retained in place. The frames of the windows and glazing bars have also been removed.