religious
Ralph Covell (Covell Matthews Partnership), 1966
Ashburnham Road, Ham, Richmond, TW10 7NL
An innovative 1960s parish church inspired by the Liturgical Movement with a complex and striking roof employing rare examples of timber hyperbolic paraboloid shells rising from as Star of David floor plan. Twelve vibrant dalle de verre stained glass windows depict the life of St Richard.
Richmond
Kingston, Richmond
371
The 371 bus route runs between Richmond and Kingston and passes the church. Alight at Mariner Gardens. Parking is available at the church.
The church car park is accessed off Ashburnham Road opposite Broughton Avenue.
12:00–17:00
Regular talks to explain the design and construction of the church. Display of proposals to renovate the church roof.
The 1960's were a time of flux and innovation and the recently listed church of St Richard's in Ham by Ralph Covell of Covell Matthews and Partners was a product of both. Three rare timber hyperbolic paraboloid shells rising from a unique star of David floor plan result in a distinctive external profile and a soaring, light filled interior. Vibrant dalle de verre stained glass by Henry Haig depicts incidents from the life of St Richard and are complemented by two unusual enamelled doors. The church forms the centre piece of a mature housing estate by Wates which has maintained its design integrity through active management by the residents. Today the building successfully holds together its function as a church and a space for community activities and events.
Local architects Richard and Fiona Woolf will give short introductory talks on the building and the dalle de verre stained glass each hour.