Print of a bombed Holland House library interior

Viewer Controls

Rotate: Left-click + drag
Pan: Right-click + drag
Zoom: Scroll wheel

3d_rotation Open 3D Preview

Framed Prints From Historic England

Framed Print of Holland House library after an air raid BB83_04456

HOLLAND HOUSE, Kensington, London. An interior view of the bombed library at Holland House with readers apparently choosing books regardless of the damage. Photographed in 1940. The House was heavily bombed during World War II and remained derelict until 1952 when parts of the remains were preserved.
Holland House, originally known as Cope Castle, was a great house in Kensington in London, situated in what is now Holland Park. Created in 1605 in the Elizabethan or Jacobean style for the diplomat Sir Walter Cope, the building later passed to the powerful Rich family, then the Fox family, under whose ownership it became a noted gathering-place for Whigs in the 19th century. The house was largely destroyed by German firebombing during the Blitz in 1940; today only the east wing and some ruins of the ground floor still remain.
In 1940, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attended the last great ball held at the house. A few weeks later, on 7 September, the German bombing raids on London that would come to be known as the Blitz began. During the night of 27 September, Holland House was hit by twenty-two incendiary bombs during a ten-hour raid. The house was largely destroyed, with only the east wing, and, miraculously, almost all of the library remaining undamaged. Surviving volumes included the sixteenth-century Boxer Codex.
Holland House was granted Grade I listed building status in 1949, under the auspices of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947; the Act sought to identify and preserve buildings of special historic importance, prompted by the damage caused by wartime bombing. The building remained a burned-out ruin until 1952, when its owner, Giles Fox-Strangways, 6th Earl of Ilchester, sold it to the London County Council (LCC). The remains of the building passed from the LCC to its successor, the Greater London Council (GLC) in 1965, and upon the dissolution of the GLC in 1986 to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Today, the remains of Holland House form a backdrop for the open air Holland Park Theatre, home of Opera Holland Park. The YHA (England and Wales) London Holland Park youth hostel is now located in the house. The Orangery is now an exhibition and function space, with the adjoining former Summer Ballroom now a restaurant, The Belvedere. The former ice house is now a gallery space. Discover Historic England images to buy as prints, wall art or for licensing. Find your favourite places or explore our collections. © Historic England Archive

Artwork supplied by Historic England (Historic England Images)

Your chosen combination is quickly and professionally made to order, our shipping page has more details

If you are not entirely happy with your items, simply return them to us within 30 days for a replacement or full refund. Please read our full returns policy.

Media ID 1326365

Air Raid Damage London

local_shipping Fast Delivery

volunteer_activism Great Value

credit_card_heart 100% Payment Secure

undo 30 Days Return

Editors Comments

Holland House library after an air raid, captured by Historic England Archive in 1940, shows resilience amidst destruction. This poignant photograph from the Historic England collection features a bombed library at Holland House in Kensington, London, where readers continue to browse books despite the damage.

This artwork is also available as...

Photo Prints - Holland House library after an air raid, photographed in 1940 by Historic England Archive. This poignant image captures the resilience of readers amidst destruction at HOLLAND HOUSE, Kensington, London during World War II. A powerful reminder of the enduring love for knowledge and literature even in times of crisis.

Greetings Cards - Holland House library after an air raid, photographed in 1940 by Historic England Archive. This interior view shows readers browsing books amidst damage at HOLLAND HOUSE, Kensington, London during World War II. A poignant image of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Photo Mugs - Photo Mug, featuring an inspiring image from the Historic England Archive. Witness the resilience of Holland House library in Kensington, London during World War II, as seen in BB83_04456. Amidst the devastation of an air raid, readers are captured in this iconic photograph, determinedly choosing books, a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the human spirit. Bring a piece of history into your daily routine with this thought-provoking Photo Mug.

Poster Prints - Holland House library after an air raid, photographed in 1940 by Historic England Archive. This poignant image captures the resilience of readers amidst destruction at HOLLAND HOUSE, Kensington, London during WWII. A powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to persevere through adversity and find solace in literature.

Metal Prints - Step into history with our Metal Prints. This image, sourced from the Historic England Archive (BB83_04456), transports you back in time to Holland House library in Kensington, London during the 1940 air raids. Witness the resilience of readers, who continue to explore the damaged library, engrossed in their books. Our Metal Prints bring the rich history of this iconic moment to life, adding a thought-provoking touch to your space. Order yours today and let history inspire you every day.

Canvas Prints - Discover the resilience of London's Holland House library during WWII with our canvas prints. Featuring a historic photograph from the Historic England Archive, this image captures the scene in 1940 after an air raid, showcasing readers undeterred by damage. A poignant reminder of wartime spirit and determination.

Cushions - In the face of adversity, we find resilience and determination. This powerful image from Historic England Archive captures a moment in time when the spirit of Holland House library remained unbroken, even amidst destruction. cushions pay homage to this unwavering resolve, bringing a sense of strength and courage into your home. Surround yourself with stories that inspire hope and perseverance.

Mouse Mats - Resilience in the face of adversity. mouse mats are inspired by the unwavering spirit of those who continued to seek knowledge and comfort amidst chaos, like these readers at Holland House library after an air raid in 1940. A powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, learning and connection can be a beacon of hope.

Image Download - Holland House library interior after an air raid in 1940, captured by Historic England Archive. This image is available for download with a rights-managed license suitable for Creative Use, Editorial Use, and Personal Use. The photograph shows readers browsing books amidst damage at HOLLAND HOUSE in Kensington, London.

Premium Frame A1 (A2 Poster)

Ready to Hang Contemporary Framed Prints adds style, protection, and a polished touch to your space - effortlessly.

Your artwork will be printed as shown in the preview. To adjust please select Edit Printed Image under the Buy button

Premium Paradise Wooden Range A1 Premium Poster Frame (86x62cm) with A2 Poster (59x42cm) and mounted behind a white matt board to make your photo really stand out. FSC Certified and Rainforest Alliance Certified for environmental, social, and economic sustainably. High transparency tempered glass window with a smooth finished frame. Great for filling empty walls, decorating blank spaces, or creating eye-catching gallery walls. Frames arrive ready to hang. Sent with secure, protective packaging. Smooth wooden veneer mimics the real wood look and feel with ultra-durable scratch resistance tempered glass. Note: measurements provided are estimated outer dimensions, which include both the image and the frame. While we aim to keep sizing consistent, exact dimensions may vary slightly due to differences in print size or production requirements, which may result in a variation in the overall size (up to approximately 2.5cm (1"))

These are individually made so all sizes are approximate

Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 58.8cm x 41.4cm (23.1" x 16.3")

Estimated Product Size is 86.6cm x 62cm (34.1" x 24.4")