Span Life
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Parkleys, possibly one of the most important and early examples of post-war housing estates in the UK. Parkleys was built in 1954 in Ham, Richmond in south-west London by pioneering housing company Span with chief architect Eric Lyons, a former student of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, at the helm.
Matt’s thoughts on Parkleys…
Not only is Parkleys important to mid-century architecture aficionados and Span fanboys alike, but it’s also important to me, because it’s the place I call home and somewhere that my family and I have built a life around. A life that not only benefits from the unique relationship the buildings have to the space outdoors, but also the unique relationships within the community. Eric struck upon something magical when designing Parkleys. He mastered the architecture of friendship. It’s easy to get hung up on the architecture, but it’s the hangouts that really count.
On Saturday 20th July, the residents of Parkleys came together to celebrate the milestone of our estate turning 70. I created an illustration to mark the occasion and screen-printed a limited run of commemorative tea towels at the event.
If you’re ever in the area I highly recommend taking a moment to walk through the estate. There’s something very special about Span housing – you feel the magic from the moment you step into Parkleys.
The limited edition Parkleys Tea Towel will be available from the Matt Blease General Store from 29th July.
