"Willi Richards bought the house in 1998 with his partner Chris Mazeika after they spotted it "over a fence". At the time, it was derelict, flooded and missing floors. "When we first moved in it was on the at-risk register and it was a wreck," Mr Richards says. "Now it's a stable, viable, water-free, almost wind-free, house," he adds, with a twinkle in his eye."
"With distressed walls, mid-century furniture and sweeping views of the river, the house has attracted photographers, filmmakers and designers. It has appeared in television dramas including the BBC's Luther and hosted a Vogue shoot by Mario Testino featuring Kate Moss. But Mr Richards says the building's size, setting and history have naturally lent themselves to something else. "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 attract people who want to respond to it, and share that response with an audience.""
Master Shipwrights House is a Grade II-listed 1708 mansion in Deptford that served as the Master Shipwright's residence to the Royal Naval Dockyard. The building operated as a home, studio and creative hub for about three decades. Willi Richards and partner Chris Mazeika bought the derelict property in 1998 and spent years restoring it, retaining weathered character while making it dry and habitable. The house's distressed walls, mid-century furniture and river views attracted photographers, filmmakers and designers, including appearances in the BBC's Luther and a Vogue shoot by Mario Testino with Kate Moss. The house hosts performances and now seeks new custodians.
Read at www.bbc.com
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