Imagine a grand, 300-year-old mansion, a hidden gem nestled along the River Thames, where history whispers from every brick and artists find sanctuary. But what if this haven, a vibrant hub for creativity, faced an uncertain future? That's the story of Master Shipwrights House in Deptford, South East London. It's more than just a building; it's a living, breathing testament to artistic collaboration and historical preservation.
Freddy Tennyson reports from Deptford that this remarkable 10-bedroom house, discreetly tucked away behind imposing brick walls, might easily be overlooked amidst the modern apartment blocks and ongoing construction. For the artists and theater professionals who gather within its walls, however, each performance feels deeply personal and significant. But as the current chapter closes and the house seeks new ownership, a crucial question hangs in the air: What will be the next act in this extraordinary drama?
Originally constructed in 1708 as the residence of the Master Shipwright for the Royal Naval Dockyard, this Grade II-listed building stands as a rare and precious relic of Deptford's rich maritime past. For the past three decades, it has served a dual purpose: a family home and a dynamic creative space, a bustling studio, and an inspiring community center. Willi Richards and his partner, Chris Mazeika, stumbled upon the house in 1998, spotting it, as Willi recounts, "over a fence." At that time, it was a shadow of its former self – derelict, waterlogged, and missing entire sections of its floors. "When we first moved in, it was on the at-risk register and it was a wreck," explains Mr. Richards. "Now it's a stable, viable, water-free, almost wind-free, house," he adds with a touch of pride and humor.
The couple embarked on a painstaking restoration project, carefully preserving the building's unique character and weathered charm. The result is an atmosphere that is both grand and intimate. With its distressed walls, thoughtfully chosen mid-century furniture, and breathtaking views of the river, the house has become a magnet for photographers, filmmakers, and designers. It has served as a backdrop for television dramas, including the BBC's "Luther," and even played host to a Vogue photoshoot featuring the iconic Kate Moss. And this is the part most people miss: Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Mr. Richards believes the building's sheer size, its unparalleled setting, and its deep-rooted history have naturally guided its purpose. "The space has dictated the use," he says. "It's sky and water and old stories in the very building blocks of the house."
It seems to possess a unique ability to draw in individuals who feel compelled to engage with its spirit and share their artistic responses with the world. Over the years, Willi and Chris have generously opened their doors to artists, makers, and performers, offering them a place to live and work, often during pivotal moments in their careers. Among those who have benefited from this unique opportunity is Olivier Award-winning actor Hiran Abeysekera, who currently calls the Master Shipwrights House home. Hiran first met Willi in 2007 when Willi was directing a Tamil-language production of Romeo and Juliet in Sri Lanka. Encouraged to pursue his passion for acting, Hiran applied to drama school in the UK, trained at Rada, and was subsequently invited to live at the Master Shipwrights House. "If I was living elsewhere, I don't think I would be the same person," he reflects. "I often think how funny life is, that this is probably where ships were designed and set sail to conquer Sri Lanka, and now I'm living here and creating here."
In 2020, responding to the widespread loss of work during the pandemic, some of the house's residents established The Shipwright theatre production company. Founded by Joe Winters and Emma Halstead, the company now stages several productions each year, including a popular summer festival and a beloved winter pantomime. Performances are held outdoors on the expansive lawn or within the property's many unique rooms. As the search for new custodians continues, the company fervently hopes that whoever takes on the house will continue its legacy as a creative incubator. "It is genuinely upsetting to think of this space no longer being what it is," says Ms. Halstead. "Those two men have been so generous in a time of extreme lack of generosity in the world."
The Master Shipwrights House has been on the market for several months, with an asking price of £8 million – a figure that understandably dominates conversations about its future. "There's no denying it's a large amount of money," says Mr. Winters. "But we think we punch above our weight in terms of the quality of work that comes out of here. We've worked with and developed people just before they've gone on to make enormous successes." He adds that the vision extends beyond simply preserving the space; the goal is to cultivate and expand it, potentially making it more accessible to the public. But here's where it gets controversial... Could opening it to the public diminish the intimate and collaborative atmosphere that makes it so special? Or is it a necessary step to ensure its long-term survival?
Despite its impressive size and historical significance, the house remains surprisingly hidden from view, discreetly tucked away behind towering Victorian walls. For now, the lights are still on, and the sound of laughter echoes from the audience as the final performance of the year unfolds. And as the house awaits its next chapter, those who have lived and worked within its walls hold onto the hope that its story is not coming to an end, but rather quietly preparing for a vibrant new beginning. What do you think? Is it possible for a space like the Master Shipwrights House to retain its artistic integrity while also becoming more accessible to the wider community? And who should ultimately be responsible for preserving such unique cultural landmarks?
