About Time You Saw: Dennis Severs’ HouseBy Gilly Hopper
Buried in the heart of London’s East End, wedged somewhere between Boxpark and The Gherkin, is a little-known landmark: Dennis Severs’ House. The enticing house museum, created by American artist Dennis Severs who bought the property in 1979 and spent 20 years restoring each room, is a theatregoer’s delight and a historian’s nightmare.
Image credit – Roelof Bakker
The Annual Christmas Installation, Silent Night, which takes place during winter months, is an exploration of the lives of the Huguenot family. Arriving at the Christmas tree-bordered residence, visitors should prepare to enter into a world of curiosities: free to explore the private home and artistic venture of the late Dennis Severs, guests are invited to not merely spectate but become part of this costume-drama experience and unravel the story for themselves.
Image credit – Roelof Bakker
Harvesting the atmosphere of its old inhabitants, this 18th century home retains a lived-in feel amidst a jumbled history that dates from the 17th century to Edwardian times. With a fondness for the past, this dramatic excursion rests edgeways between art and theatre, relying on senses of its audience to piece together the scenes set before them. Perplexing to historians, some objects play with the home’s collaged history and family possessions range from pomegranates to wigs, cats to confectionaries (the occasional chocolate Santa and quality street wrapper did not go unseen.)
Image credit – Roelof Bakker
Stimulated by the creak of footsteps, familiar smells and warm smoky lighting, the house itself helps to align your imagination with the faces displayed in the elaborate artwork adorning the walls. Throughout each room are signs of the fictional inhabitants: speculate over spilt wine and breadcrumbs and work your way through the interrupted scenic displays of “still-life drama.” The characterful setting explores the family’s dwindling fortune, as the story reaches its climax by the top floor. With a typical visit lasting for approximately 45 minutes, viewers have ample time to unravel the various plot lines as they journey off in a silent pursuit through each of the candlelit rooms.
