Handel and Hendrix lived here: RIBA honours two harmonious houses in central London

George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix lived in neighbouring Mayfair houses nearly 250 years apart. Two years ago both terrace houses, having earned their own blue plaques, opened to the public as the combined Handel Hendrix House, following a £3 million refurbishment. Now the architect of the restoration is up for the 2025 RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize honouring new architectural talent.

Photography: Christopher Ison

Helena Tunbridge, an associate with conservation practice Peregrine Bryant Architects, completed the so-called Hallelujah Project in 2023 after restoring Handel’s 25 Brook Street house, rebuilding the Georgian façade, adding a new shop and renovating the exhibitions at 23 Brook Street, Hendrix’s former home. In May the project was celebrated with wins at the RIBA London and Conservation Awards. The Stephen Lawrence Prize will be announced at the Stirling Prize Ceremony in October.

Photography: Christopher Ison

Handel and Hendrix lived here: RIBA honours two harmonious houses in central London

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