Ismaili Centre, London
Encyclopedia
The Ismaili Centre, London is one of five such centres world-wide. Established in South Kensington more than a quarter of a century ago, it is a religious, social and cultural meeting place for the Ismaili Muslim community in the United Kingdom and is the first such centre to be specially designed and built for Ismailis in the Western world.
Margaret Thatcher
, in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan
, the 49th Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims
. It was the first religious, cultural and social space specifically designed for the Ismaili community in the Western world
.
The Ismaili community had been in the United Kingdom since as early as 1951, when they established a religious, cultural and social centre at Kensington Court. It was moved to Palace Gate in 1957, but the needs of the growing community increased over time, and a site at Cromwell Gardens
was acquired in the 1970s.
Lord Soames, the then Lord President of the Council
, laid the foundation stone of the new Centre on September 6, 1979, in the presence of the Aga Khan. Construction began in July 1980.
's South Kensington district where the Ismaili Centre is situated is a prominent location with a storied past. Immediately to the north on the opposite side of Cromwell Gardens
is the Victoria and Albert Museum
. To the south is Thurloe Place and to the west is Exhibition Road
. The nearest tube station is South Kensington
, close by to the south-west. It is linked by an underground passage that extends further north to the South Kensington museums.
The site had previously been owned by the Shakespeare Memorial National Theatre Committee
, who in 1937 intended to construct a National Theatre on the site. But the outbreak of the Second World War and a later realisation that the site was too small for their ambitions, scuttled their plans.
In the 1860s, seven houses had been constructed on the 16000 square feet (1,486.4 m²) plot, which was given the name “Cromwell Gardens”. But by 1912, heavy traffic around the site made the houses unattractive. Plans to establish a new Royal College of Art
never materialised, but for a short spell Cromwell Gardens was home to the Institut Français.
After being earmmarked for the National Theatre project, renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens
and Cecil Masey were appointed to design the site's new building and a building committee was established. Among its members was the English actor and theatre director Sir Lewis Casson
, whose nephew, Sir Hugh Casson
, eventually designed the Ismaili Centre.
When the thetre project fell through, the site lingered and fell in stature. When the plot was acquired for the Ismaili Centre in the late 1970s, it hosted a car-hire depot and a pre-fab office. But journalist Christopher Long, would describe the land between Thurloe Place and Cromwell Road
as “arguably the most prominent and prestigious plot of development land in West London.”
and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Centre's architectural called for the building to be compatible with its surroundings, while remaining true to the Islamic architectural tradition
.
The building that Casson Conder Partnership
produced is of a strikingly modern design. The exterior materials in whites, light greys and blues do not compete with those of the surrounding buildings. The Centre is subdued, yet it is bears a distinctly Islamic character. A particularly interesting architectural element is its roof-top charbagh
garden.
Over the past 25 years, the Centre has opened its doors to the general public for exhibitions, lectures, and debates. Tens of thousands have experienced the building through guided tours conducted by trained volunteers, including royalty from various countries, prime ministers and senior political figures, leaders of industry, religious leaders, famous personalities, and regular Londoners. Since 2000, the Ismaili Centre has also participated in London’s annual Open House
, as well as Exhibition Road Music Day, a London version of Fête de la Musique
.
By experiencing the architecture of the building and taking part in its programs, visitors broaden their understanding of Islam and its ethics, and of Muslim peoples and their values. This was observed by Prince Charles at the inauguration of Spirit and Life, an exhibition of the Aga Khan Museum collection
that was held at the Centre: “I can only applaud your emphasis on intellectual and cultural exploration as a means of integration, and your determination to discharge your obligations as citizens of this country without losing your own distinctive traditions,” he said of the Ismaili community in his inaugural remarks. “I have no doubt that the existence of shared values is a key defining factor. These values celebrate humility, greatness of soul, honour, magnanimity and, indeed, hospitality. They form the bedrock of the excellent outreach work of the Ismaili Centre.”
Establishment
The Ismaili Centre, London was inaugurated on April 24, 1985 by then Prime MinisterPrime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990...
, in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan
Aga Khan IV
Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV, NPk, NI, KBE, CC, GCC, GCIH, GCM is the 49th and current Imam of the Shia Imami Nizari Ismaili Muslims. He has held this position under the title of Aga Khan since July 11, 1957, when, at the age of 20, he succeeded his grandfather, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan...
, the 49th Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims
Ismaili
' is a branch of Shia Islam. It is the second largest branch of Shia Islam, after the Twelvers...
. It was the first religious, cultural and social space specifically designed for the Ismaili community in the Western world
Western world
The Western world, also known as the West and the Occident , is a term referring to the countries of Western Europe , the countries of the Americas, as well all countries of Northern and Central Europe, Australia and New Zealand...
.
The Ismaili community had been in the United Kingdom since as early as 1951, when they established a religious, cultural and social centre at Kensington Court. It was moved to Palace Gate in 1957, but the needs of the growing community increased over time, and a site at Cromwell Gardens
Cromwell Gardens
Cromwell Gardens is a short but major road in South Kensington, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England. It joins the Cromwell Road at the junction with Exhibition Road to the west with the Brompton Road to the east....
was acquired in the 1970s.
Lord Soames, the then Lord President of the Council
Lord President of the Council
The Lord President of the Council is the fourth of the Great Officers of State of the United Kingdom, ranking beneath the Lord High Treasurer and above the Lord Privy Seal. The Lord President usually attends each meeting of the Privy Council, presenting business for the monarch's approval...
, laid the foundation stone of the new Centre on September 6, 1979, in the presence of the Aga Khan. Construction began in July 1980.
Surroundings and site history
Cromwell Gardens in LondonLondon
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
's South Kensington district where the Ismaili Centre is situated is a prominent location with a storied past. Immediately to the north on the opposite side of Cromwell Gardens
Cromwell Gardens
Cromwell Gardens is a short but major road in South Kensington, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England. It joins the Cromwell Road at the junction with Exhibition Road to the west with the Brompton Road to the east....
is the Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum , set in the Brompton district of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England, is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects...
. To the south is Thurloe Place and to the west is Exhibition Road
Exhibition Road
Exhibition Road is a street in South Kensington, London, forming a semi-border between the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster...
. The nearest tube station is South Kensington
South Kensington tube station
South Kensington is a London Underground station in Kensington, west London. It is served by the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. On the District and Circle lines, the station is between Gloucester Road and Sloane Square, and on the Piccadilly Line, it is between Gloucester Road and...
, close by to the south-west. It is linked by an underground passage that extends further north to the South Kensington museums.
The site had previously been owned by the Shakespeare Memorial National Theatre Committee
Royal National Theatre
The Royal National Theatre in London is one of the United Kingdom's two most prominent publicly funded theatre companies, alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company...
, who in 1937 intended to construct a National Theatre on the site. But the outbreak of the Second World War and a later realisation that the site was too small for their ambitions, scuttled their plans.
In the 1860s, seven houses had been constructed on the 16000 square feet (1,486.4 m²) plot, which was given the name “Cromwell Gardens”. But by 1912, heavy traffic around the site made the houses unattractive. Plans to establish a new Royal College of Art
Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art is an art school located in London, United Kingdom. It is the world’s only wholly postgraduate university of art and design, offering the degrees of Master of Arts , Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy...
never materialised, but for a short spell Cromwell Gardens was home to the Institut Français.
After being earmmarked for the National Theatre project, renowned British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens
Edwin Lutyens
Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, OM, KCIE, PRA, FRIBA was a British architect who is known for imaginatively adapting traditional architectural styles to the requirements of his era...
and Cecil Masey were appointed to design the site's new building and a building committee was established. Among its members was the English actor and theatre director Sir Lewis Casson
Lewis Casson
Sir Lewis Thomas Casson MC was a British actor and theatre director and the husband of Dame Sybil Thorndike.-Early life:...
, whose nephew, Sir Hugh Casson
Hugh Casson
Sir Hugh Maxwell Casson, KCVO, RA, RDI, was a British architect, interior designer, artist, and influential writer and broadcaster on 20th century design. He is particularly noted for his role as director of architecture at the 1951 Festival of Britain on London's South Bank.Casson's family...
, eventually designed the Ismaili Centre.
When the thetre project fell through, the site lingered and fell in stature. When the plot was acquired for the Ismaili Centre in the late 1970s, it hosted a car-hire depot and a pre-fab office. But journalist Christopher Long, would describe the land between Thurloe Place and Cromwell Road
Cromwell Road
Cromwell Road is a major road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, and is designated part of the A4. It was created in the 19th century and is named after Oliver Cromwell....
as “arguably the most prominent and prestigious plot of development land in West London.”
Architecture
The area surrounding the Ismaili Centre includes prominent buildings with imposing façades such as the Natural History MuseumNatural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England . Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road...
and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Centre's architectural called for the building to be compatible with its surroundings, while remaining true to the Islamic architectural tradition
Islamic architecture
Islamic architecture encompasses a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the foundation of Islam to the present day, influencing the design and construction of buildings and structures in Islamic culture....
.
The building that Casson Conder Partnership
Hugh Casson
Sir Hugh Maxwell Casson, KCVO, RA, RDI, was a British architect, interior designer, artist, and influential writer and broadcaster on 20th century design. He is particularly noted for his role as director of architecture at the 1951 Festival of Britain on London's South Bank.Casson's family...
produced is of a strikingly modern design. The exterior materials in whites, light greys and blues do not compete with those of the surrounding buildings. The Centre is subdued, yet it is bears a distinctly Islamic character. A particularly interesting architectural element is its roof-top charbagh
Charbagh
Charbagh is a Persian-style garden layout. The quadrilateral garden is divided by walkways or flowing water into four smaller parts...
garden.
A token of understanding
Conceived in a “spirit of peace and dialogue, the search for knowledge and human dignity,” the Ismaili Centre embodies the Ismaili community’s own outlook and understanding of “Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith.” At the Centre’s opening ceremony, the Aga Khan pledged the Centre as a “token of understanding between East and West” — it is a pledge that the Centre has gone on to fulfil.Over the past 25 years, the Centre has opened its doors to the general public for exhibitions, lectures, and debates. Tens of thousands have experienced the building through guided tours conducted by trained volunteers, including royalty from various countries, prime ministers and senior political figures, leaders of industry, religious leaders, famous personalities, and regular Londoners. Since 2000, the Ismaili Centre has also participated in London’s annual Open House
Open House London
Open House London is an organisation which promotes appreciation of architecture by the general public. It organises tours, lectures, educational projects for children and so on, but it is best known for Open House Weekend, a two-day event which takes place on one weekend each September throughout...
, as well as Exhibition Road Music Day, a London version of Fête de la Musique
Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is a music festival taking place on June 21.-History:The idea was first broached in 1976 by American musician Joel Cohen, then employed by the national French radio station France Musique. Cohen proposed an all-night music celebration at the...
.
By experiencing the architecture of the building and taking part in its programs, visitors broaden their understanding of Islam and its ethics, and of Muslim peoples and their values. This was observed by Prince Charles at the inauguration of Spirit and Life, an exhibition of the Aga Khan Museum collection
Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Muslim arts and culture. It is to be situated in Toronto, Canada and is expected to open in 2013. The museum is an initiative of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network...
that was held at the Centre: “I can only applaud your emphasis on intellectual and cultural exploration as a means of integration, and your determination to discharge your obligations as citizens of this country without losing your own distinctive traditions,” he said of the Ismaili community in his inaugural remarks. “I have no doubt that the existence of shared values is a key defining factor. These values celebrate humility, greatness of soul, honour, magnanimity and, indeed, hospitality. They form the bedrock of the excellent outreach work of the Ismaili Centre.”
More information
- Ismaili CentreIsmaili CentreThe Ismaili Centres are symbolic markers of the permanent presence of the Ismaili Muslim community in the countries and regions in which they are established. Each building is architecturally unique, and incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement and reflection,...
s around the world (official website) - Ismaili Centre, Burnaby (official website)
- Ismaili Centre, Lisbon (official website)
- Ismaili Centre, Dubai (official website)
- Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe (official website)
- Ismaili Centre, TorontoIsmaili Centre, TorontoThe Ismaili Centre, Toronto — currently under development — will be the sixth such centre in the world. Situated in a park that it shares with the Aga Khan Museum adjacent to the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto, the Centre will represent the permanent presence of the Ismaili Muslim...
(official website)
External links
- A Place in Paradise - radio coverage from the BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
about the London Ismaili Centre's roof top garden - ArchNet: Ismaili Centre