Jacqueline Banerjee. [You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]. E. R. Robson. 1883. Kenmont Gardens/Valliere Road, London NW10. Photograph kindly provided by Nigel Shafran, caption and commentary by
According to the government listing text from English Heritage, this is one of the schools designed by Robson for the London School Board. It is described as built "[t]o playground," an interesting sign that the need for fresh air and outdoor exercise was fully accepted now. The building itself is seen as a "grand asymmetrical composition" with "a [p]rojecting centre block, canted sides" and "six storeys with attic storey and crenellated parapet." The spire with its timber cupola and weather vane (not seen here) is also mentioned. Although there are three storeys in both the left and right wings, one wing projects further than the other, and has a gable with attractively recessed blind windows in the top two storeys. The "real" windows are interestingly varied in style. Other distinctive features are the tall, joined chimney stacks. It was given Grade II listing in 1984.
Cleia Barton (who herself attended Primrose Hill Primary School) writes warmly,
it is a glorious building which gives me pleasure every day when I drop my daughter at school. Despite its large and imposing structure it is a small school of only 220 kids and the building does a spectacular job of welcoming and protecting them — we all love it dearly. Although I hear the roof needs a bit of attention!