London’s scenes come and go in different times, but they leave their watermark of prestige and blue plaques. Chelsea is one of those parts of London that has been home to different creative waves that increase its intrigue and value. As a centre of swinging London in the 60’s it epitomized the revolution of youth, art, and the emerging 1960’s philosophy. In the ’70s the punk scene surged forth from World’s End with eclectic fashion art from Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren. The Kings Road was literally a silk road of bohemian interior art and musical innovation. However, this was not the only wave, as in the 19th Century it was an artist’s colony for Pre Raphelite artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and numerous other artists who lived and worked in the area. The proximity to the river and the centre of London made it an ideal location with a lyrical atmosphere for palatial residences. Movers and shakers of different eras found solace in Chelsea in a community of like-minded souls.
Attributes of Chelsea
The borough of Chelsea is the Southern part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and has various significant London attributes. Chelsea Bridge over the Thames, Chelsea Embankment and Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club. The Chelsea Flower Show is an international pilgrimage site for horticulturalists. The Chelsea Physic Garden founded in 1673 has preserved botanical wisdom over time and is a centre of education and learning related to natural medicines. Another unique establishment in Chelsea is the Royal Hospital of Chelsea, home of the Chelsea pensioners. A place for UK veterans to retire to, you can often catch sight of the red regalia of the Chelsea pensioners enjoying their impressive residence at the Royal Hospital, designed by Christopher Wren.
Home to the rich and famous
It’s no surprise that the celebrity elite comprises much of the Chelsea diaspora, however, this too is subject to fluctuations over time. Famous musicians like Freddy Mercury, Mick Jagger, and Eric Clapton can be all found on the Chelsea celebrity list. So too can many politicians and political figures such as Lloyd George and Harold McMillan. Oscar Wilde, T.S Eliot, and Enid Blyton are some of the literary heavyweights. Nowadays the postcode attracts those with the money for such a postcode. As the wealthiest borough in London, it accommodates Chelsea manager Roman Abramovich and Formula One owner Tamara Ecclestone. Dubbed “Chelski” for its recent colonization by Russian expats that have expanded into new luxury residences like Chelsea Waterfront. Sought out not only by Russians but also by Arab interests. The proximity to Harrods in Knightsbridge has proved to be a valid incentive to invest close by.
Saatchi Gallery Chelsea
Situated in the heart of Chelsea, on the Duke of York’s Square, the Saatchi Gallery Showcases contemporary art exhibitions. Providing an innovative platform for contemporary art and culture the gallery is pivotal in introducing artists into the art world. Originally based on the collections of Charles Saatchi, the gallery now plays a leading role in art education and innovative exhibitions. Close by in the area are other galleries of note for exhibitions and purchasing art. The Saatchi Gallery, like the Chelsea Flower Show, forms part of the network of prestigious venues which are relevant to the residents of this London neighbourhood.
Connections into the city
With Kensington as part of its overall Borough, and Westminster a close friend getting into town from Chelsea is easy. Simply walking along the Embankment will swiftly draw you into the heart of the city. Part of its appeal is that it is easy to take a taxi, walk or bike into the nexus of London. The trademark red London buses will get you around town quickly, as can the black London cabs. For Underground options, there is always Sloane Square or Fulham Broadway. With close proximity to the Royal Parks, it is easy to find incredible iconic walks full of majesty and tree-lined beauty. Plus, Chelsea Harbour Pier is always an option if you want to travel by River. The Thames is one of the most iconic aspects of London and Chelsea Embankment is always planted with seasonal flowers, making it a beautiful walk along the river to get closer to Central London.
Interior design in Chelsea
At Gentleman & a Van we work closely with interior designers in Chelsea to provide them with our bespoke and reliable service. Helen Green is a design studio that has provided innovative interiors for many Chelsea residences. With a focus on specialist craftsmanship and design, Helen Green design source their artisans and suppliers entirely in the UK. Another of our designers, Katharine Pooley has worked developing Chelsea interiors to their whole new level of artistic expression. Our range of services for interior designers can be adapted for various entrepreneurial endeavours. We also specialize in providing a bespoke service for London’s auction houses. As early as 1500, Chelsea was a haven for the noble and the place for a luxurious abode. This is continually expressed in the aesthetics of the interiors of the residences of Chelsea.
Gentleman & a Van in Chelsea
Over the last two decades Gentleman & a Van have built up a loyal client base in Chelsea, Westminster, and all over London. Our affiliated services are adaptable to our client’s needs, and we have a range of top-class vehicles to suit different situations. Our ethos is to provide excellent level removal and storage solutions for offices, domestic moves, and our business clients. We are confident that we are the forefront of customer service in the removals and storage industry. As members of the Master Removers Group and approved by BAR (British Association of Removers) we have a strong foundation upon which we build our innovative service. You can read our reviews here.
Our Tailor-Made Service
Our team is highly trained and skilled in curating and caring for highly valuable items, artworks, and antiques. Interior designers and auction houses appreciate our storage packages and our Man and Van teams, because they can trust our personnel and our standards of service. When it comes to planning a domestic move, we can plan and pack on your behalf and take care of the whole process from start to finish. If you would rather pack yourself, we can deliver packing materials to you from our Box Shop way in advance. We can even take the packaging away when you are fully ensconced in your new home. If you are moving to Chelsea, let us handle the process so you can be assured of a smooth transition. Get in touch with our expert team today for a conversation and a quote. We will be happy to help you join the stars and celebrities in the palatial haven of Chelsea’s illustrious postcode.
