The former home of leading modernist architect John Graham is for sale for the first time in more than 60 years.
The property, in Harlow, Essex, was designed by Graham in 1960 as a home for himself and his wife, Britt Båckstrom. Graham lived there until his death in 2021.
Graham, together with his architectural partner Frederick Gibberd, was instrumental in the design and development of Harlow New Town.
In 1947, after the Second World War, Harlow was one of more than 20 places in the UK designated to become a “New Town”. The aim of the programme was to ease London’s housing shortage, to reconstruct communities and to offer a vision of modern living.
Despite its proximity to London, Harlow was to exist as a self-contained, balanced community of 80,000 people.
Gibberd’s design merged the new urban environment with the surrounding nature, developed mixed housing schemes with flats, maisonettes and houses, and placed artwork in public settings.
Gibberd and Graham intended for Harlow’s civic centre to become home to “the finest works of art, as it is in Florence and other splendid cities,” according to Harlow Sculpture.
Graham was responsible for the rooftop viewing room of Harlow town hall, the UK’s first purpose-built indoor community sports centre; the Harvey Centre and Adams House. He won a European Council Architecture Award for his additions to Old Harlow high street in the early 1970s.
Graham devoted himself to art in his retirement, becoming a trustee of Harlow Art Trust — remaining so for more than 30 years— and growing its sculpture collection. Additions from Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Elisabeth Frink earned Harlow the title “Harlow Sculpture Town” in 2011.
After Gibberd’s death in 1984, Graham established the Gibberd Gallery in Harlow, which provided a permanent home for the watercolour collection accumulated over 40 years by Gibberd and donated to the town. This is still on display, along with a collection of sculptures and an annual programme of exhibitions.
Båckstrom passed away in 2005 and when Graham died in 2021, aged 93, he made a substantial bequest to the town, leaving his house, most of his personal belongings, savings and a significant collection of modern art to Harlow Art Trust.
“In the summer of 2021 the Trust learned of the sad passing of former trustee John Graham,” wrote Harlow Art Trust in their annual report. “The bequest is hugely significant for the Trust as well as being completely unexpected.”
Now, the Trust are selling Graham’s former home, called Suncourt, while his collection of 20th century paintings will be displayed and offered on loan.
Many of Graham’s possessions —including furniture and artwork featured in pictures of the property— were auctioned by Sworders auction house on 24 October, with proceeds to go to the Harlow Art Trust. Suncourt has been listed with The Modern House for £550,000.
Located on a residential cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Harlow, called Brooklane Field, Suncourt is still “replete with original features and almost entirely in its original condition,” according to the agents, although it “will require updating”.
Bordered by fields and open countryside, the pre-fabricated Colt House is made up of two buildings: a single-storey, 1,600 sq ft house and a 500 sq ft garden studio, both orientated towards the oak tree in the garden.
Equipped with two bedrooms, a bathroom, study and open plan living space which is lined with full height windows, the house’s striking mid-century interiors remain intact. There are wooden flooring and timber-clad walls throughout, with original features, like the kitchen’s glazed serving hatch and pink 1960s cabinetry, still in place.
Graham and Båckstrom were keen collectors of Scandinavian furniture and ceramics, acquiring pieces by Gunnar Nielsen, Fritz Hansen, the Gustavsberg Studio and Nittsjö Keramik, as well as art by members of the St Ives Movement, a group of modernist artists working in the early 20th century.
Photos of the property showcase the couple’s discerning eye for furniture, much of which was sold at Sworders’ auction. There is a globe-like 1970s Harvey Guzzini light suspended from the living room ceiling which sold for £350, a mustard-coloured three-seater leather sofa (£400), Graham’s Niels Otto Møller teak dining table and chairs (£550) and his teak desk, designed by Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard (£380).
Outside, the bright garden studio —built from concrete with a plywood panel roof— could be used as a creative studio, workshop or additional accommodation. There is even a swimming pool, which, according to The Modern House, is “in need of some remedial work, but could be re-instated as a fantastic feature.”
According to a spokesperson, Harlow Art Trust "seriously considered taking the residential house on", but, given that it does not meet modern public access requirements, found that it was not financially feasible.
The proceeds from the sale will support a range of local activities at the Trust, including new exhibitions, collection conservation and accessibility, as well as investment in the Trust's sustainability.
"John's original hand-drawn designs for the garden including a swimming pool, summer house and gallery (all still intact) are included in the sale," they said. "The Harlow Art Trust truly hopes a sympathetic buyer is found to modernise and enjoy the property for the next 60 years."
