1884 Charing Cross Turkish Baths for Ladies & Gentlemen
Henry and James Forder Nevill (Proprs)
1900 Charing Cross Turkish baths for Ladies & Gentlemen
James Forder Nevill (Propr)
1908 Charing Cross Turkish baths for Ladies & Gentlemen
Nevill's Turkish Baths Ltd (Proprs)
1948 Charing Cross Turkish baths for Ladies & Gentlemen
Nevill's Turkish Baths Ltd (Proprs)
Baths close
Architect Robert Walker, FRIBA, fashioned the structure in the Italian Classic style. The entire front exterior is covered in Portland stone, and the rounded corner, serving as the entrance to the men's baths, is bordered by four Corinthian order granite columns. Engaged columns adorn the upper levels, culminating in a prominent clock turret with an illuminated dial, crafted by Messrs Gillett and Co of Croydon—a company that continues its operations in Croydon to this day.
Dedicated to the Turkish baths, the entirety of the basement, ground floor, and first floor is allocated for this purpose. In contrast, the upper segment of the establishment is leased independently for offices or apartments and boasts a distinct entrance at the southern end of the building.
At various points in time, the Neville family possessed a total of nine Turkish baths, all located within London. Among these, four were effectively paired establishments, constructed side by side. The larger facility catered to (Gentle)men, while its adjacent counterpart was designed for women (Ladies).
In Northumberland Avenue, the paired baths, from the perspective of bathers, were distinctly separate with individual entrances. The women's entrance was discreetly positioned around the corner in Northumberland Passage (now Craven Passage).
Externally, there was no evident indication visible from Northumberland Avenue that a Turkish bath, adorned in Moorish style, existed within the building. However, it is likely that planning regulations were more lenient in the narrow pedestrian passageway, providing access to the women's baths.
This marked the conclusion of three new buildings commissioned by the Nevilles from architect Robert Walker, FRIBA. Subsequent establishments involved the transformation of existing Turkish baths, acquired as ongoing concerns, and underwent extensive refurbishment to align with the company's distinctive house style.
The Nevilles, following in the footsteps of Bartholomew and his Turkish baths, recognized the significance of making their establishments immediately identifiable as Nevill establishments. This was reflected in their naming convention, where the family dropped the final 'e'. Each bath featured double doors adorned with red stained-glass crescents and stars set in leaded panels. Particularly noteworthy was the splendid assortment of highly patterned Craven Dunnill tiles, extensively used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their buildings.
The ground floor cooling-room and part of the gallery at Northumberland Avenue provide a captivating view, with windows overlooking the passage between the men's and women's baths, showcasing the meticulous design and attention to detail characteristic of Neville establishments.
Reference: http://www.victorianturkishbath.org/_6DIRECTORY/AtoZEstab/London/NorAv/FEng.htm