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The Cosmic House is one of the key landmarks in the development of Post-Modernist architecture. A hugely influential distillation of the ideas at the heart of Post-Modern thought in culture and science, it is a remarkable testament to the polymathic talents of Maggie and Charles Jencks.

Built between 1978 and 1983 the house subverts the genteel architecture of Holland Park, exaggerating, caricaturing and embellishing the white stucco until it becomes a microcosm of contemporary architectural theory, semiotics and historiography. An almost human character is imposed on the architecture with each element related to the human body and then to the larger cosmos. It is an architectural essay about our relationship to proportion, building, culture and the universe.

Densely packed with ideas, symbols and motifs, its architecture embraces an entire cosmos of architectural allusion, history, metaphor and reference. Switching between pop and classical culture, between high art and accessible kitsch, it became a built manifesto for the architecture that emerged in reaction to the slowly solidifying canon of Modernism as it faded in the late mid-century. Designed in collaboration with architect (Sir) Terry Farrell, and built between 1978 and 1983, the house became a forum for conversation and dialogue at the epicentre of the Post-Modern moment and the cultural discourse around ideas, history, science and aesthetics.

The spaces are characteristically Post-Modern with multiple changes in levels, shifted axes, fragmented forms, architectural quotations, views obliquely across spaces and glimpses of neighbouring spaces enticing the visitor around the interior. Unusually for an interior of this period it remains substantially as it was designed, built and lived in with all its original bespoke furniture and fittings intact.

File relating to furniture designed by Charles both for the Thematic House and Elemental House, and for commercial licensing.

For conservation reasons, the file has been split into two folders.

Folder one includes:
-slides of Window-Seat-Window, Egyptian Room furniture, Hermitage Chair, the Face Table, Spring and Winter Furniture, screens, the Light House lamps, the sundial arcade, the Bookhouses and the Slidescrapers, and Leon Krier and Rita Wolff sat in the Spring Chair.
-photocopies of light designs and the Alessi tea and coffee service designed by Charles
-a letter from Derek McNally regarding the exhibition at Aram
-transparencies by Richard Bryant.
-colour slides from Sawaya & Moroni of the furniture
-b&W photographs of the Sun table & chairs in Summer and a matching stool and chair set.

Folder 2 includes:
-cutting from Building Design Interiors Supplement 1985 on the exhibition at Aram with colour reproductions of the furniture [duplicate]
-b&w negatives, colour polaroids and b&w photographs of furniture
-colour photographs of Sun Chairs produced commercially
-private view card for an exhibition at Sawaya & Moroni spa, Milano, opening 8 April 1987 and including work by Charles
-estimate from Albert E Chapman Ltd Upholsterers to Maggie for making, supply and fitting of blinds and curtains, 1984 and invoice for the supply of 2 hair-stuff circular seats, 1985
-MODO design magazine Nov 1986 including a discussion between Bruno Zevi and Charles, 'Post-moderno: si chiude?' [Italian language]
-House & Garden Jul 1987 cover and article titled 'The Riddle of the sphinx' by Nonie Niesewand featuring the Nile collection and Sun chair and table by Charles, available from Aram
-article from London Portrait 1988 titled 'English Modern Classics' on furniture design
-correspondence with Aram Designs regarding credit for the manufacture of Charles' furniture, statement of accounts, contracts and publicity
-invitation to a photographic exhibition at RIBA from Morley von Sternberg
-manuscript notes of costs
-typescript 'Symbolic Furniture: invoice for work done Nov 12 1985'
-typescript letter from Wendy to Charles regarding approximate prices for dining room table and chairs
-Retail price list for Charles Jencks: Symbolic Furniture
-typescript list of repairs to 'C. Jencks Furniture' 1985
-typescript list 'Symbolic Furniture: rough quotes'
-copy licence between Aram Designs Limited and Eileen Gray Designs
-typescript notes with manuscript annotations titled 'Meeting Sept 16 Zeev, Andrew, CJ'.
-manuscript notes regarding light fittings
-typescript notes with manuscript annotations titled 'Conversation with E.P. Moroni July 18, 1985'.
-typescript notes with manuscript annotations titled 'Items to discuss with Zeev July 23 1985'
-typescript notes with manuscript annotations titled 'Symbolic Furniture: items for production'
-photocopied manuscript estimation of costs for work on Dice Stools, Kitchen Chairs, Kitchen Table and Extension [Sun Table and Chairs], invoice titled 'Exibition Furniture' [sic] and 'Day Work sheet no. 1'
-letter from Aram Designs listing people who accepted and declined the exhibition invitation
-letter from Seaboard International regarding the Medite reception, 1985.
-rough drawings of furniture with measurements
-telegram correspondence between Charles and Paolo Moroni regarding contracts
-copy manuscript notes titled 'World Rights' and also listing photographs
-letter from Dan Woodside and Wendy regarding repairs to the lights
-statement from Sandell Perkins plc
-pencil and pen sketch designs titled 'Dome Chair'.
-postcard from 'Juliet & John' regarding the exhibition
-Financial Times Oct 28 1985 'The post-modernistic house that Jencks built' [photocopy duplicates]