Daneshill Brickwork in Hampshire

Led by James Airy

A party of 40 visited 3 Lutyens buildings built of Daneshill brick. The first was the delightful little office building of the Daneshill Brick & Tile Company itself where our enthusiastic hosts, Kevin Wilson and Andy Moore of AuDeo Systems, kindly gave us coffee. Beforehand, at an informal ceremony attended by the Mayor of Basingstoke and members of the Basingstoke Heritage Society, Margaret Richardson unveiled a bronze plaque commemorating the founding of the important brickworks at the instigation of E.L. The second call was to the under-rated Daneshill House and its re-instated terraced garden. Thence by coach through unspoilt Hampshire countryside to the atypical but impressive New Place at Shedfield, home of Initial Style Conferences. After lunch Friends were free to roam, even onto the roof, while cricket was played on the lawn. Finally, and most enjoyably, as our visit to Charles and Issie Lutyens at Hambledon for a delicious garden tea. Friends were intrigued by the vast family tree laid out on the dining table, as well as paintings by Charles (E.L.’s father – there were 2 living Charles Lutyens with us that afternoon!) and others by Edwin Landseer. David Lloyd, currently re-writing his original ‘Pevsner’ for South Hants, gave us lively and deeply knowledgeable commentary throughout the day.

JA.