2 Willow Road

2 Willow Road is a modernist house located in Hampstead, north London. Designed by the famous architect Erno Goldfinger in 1939, it is now a National Trust property open to the public for tours.

The house and its neighbours, 1 and 3 Willow Road were built as part of a development project in the 1930s. Goldfinger, influenced by the work of Le Corbusier and the Bauhaus movement, designed the houses to be a new type of urban living. He believed homes should be designed for the modern world and be functional, efficient, and beautiful. 2 Willow Road is a perfect example of this design philosophy.

The house is made of concrete and steel, with large windows and a flat roof. The layout is also very modern, with an open-plan living and dining area and a spiral staircase connecting the three floors. The house also has many unique features, such as a rooftop terrace, a balcony, and a basement cinema.

The house is also an excellent example of Goldfinger's attention to detail and his interest in materials. The house's concrete exterior is lined with brick and the interior is finished with a variety of materials such as marble, oak, and glass. Goldfinger also designed many of the furniture and fittings for the house, including the curved oak staircase and the built-in storage units.

Goldfinger lived in the house with his wife Ursula and their two children from 1939 to 1964. It is said that the house was a reflection of their lifestyle and personalities. They had an impressive art collection, which included works by Picasso, Miro, and Léger. The house also had a workshop and studio space for Goldfinger's architectural projects, and it was a place where he entertained friends and clients.

After Goldfinger died in 1987, the house was donated to the National Trust and opened to the public as a museum in 1996. The house has been restored to its original condition and visitors can see it as it was when Goldfinger lived there. The house also has an exhibition space that features temporary exhibitions about Goldfinger's life and work.

Its design, materials and attention to detail make it a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, design or the history of the Modern Movement. Visiting 2 Willow road is like taking a step back in time and getting a glimpse of how a modernist architect and his family lived in the mid of 20th century. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the life and work of Erno Goldfinger and to experience the beauty and functionality of Modernist design.


Look out for…

  • Art by Henry Moore, Max Ernst and Bridget Riley.

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All information is drawn from or provided by the museums themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.