Appraisal

Nos. 14, 16 and 18 Monmouth Street

Nos. 14, 16 and 18 are three remaining, listed properties of an earlier terrace - part of the late 17^th century development of Seven Dials by Thomas Neale. Begun in 1694, they were remodelled and re-faced in stock brick in the mid-to-late 18^th century. The houses were saved from demolition and restored c 1980 when the ‘Gothick’ shopfronts were successfully reinstated. The shopfronts are among the best in Seven Dials.

No. 14 still retains good mid-Georgian joinery including the staircase. The window openings are lined in painted render. The shopfronts at nos. 14, 16 and 18 are painted in black (with a white fascia), grey and dark blue. The fascias on nos. 14 and 18 carry sign-written lettering whilst that on no. 16 carries neat, applied, individual lettering. All three shopfronts have retractable, projecting blinds above their fascias. Three, appropriately detailed, non-illuminated hanging signs are carried from projecting brackets at first floor level.

The properties are of both special architectural and historic interest and particular townscape value contributing to the character, appearance and significance of the Seven Dials Conservation Area.

It is disturbing that some years ago, the traditionally detailed timber sash-windows were removed from the first floor of no. 18 without Listed Building Consent and replaced with inappropriate UPVC windows. Clearly this should be remedied through the threat or pursual of enforcement action by Camden Council.