Two Houses In Spitalfields
This is the secret door concealed behind the fireplace that connects the dwellings of Jocasta Innes, the Cook, Writer & Paint Specialist, and Richard MacCormac, the Architect, in Heneage St. It was my good fortune to step through this doorway upon my very first visit to Spitalfields, many years ago, and I think the wonder of this experience was instrumental in drawing me to this place.
Even then, it was apparent that this extraordinary architectural feature revealed the metaphorical nature of the two different houses it linked, each manifesting their owners’ contrasted sensibilities yet by their connection emblematic of the personal relationship which bound them together. Now Richard MacCormac has published a book entitled Two Houses In Spitalfields with atmospheric photographs by Jan Baldwin that serves as a poignant record of the life he shared there with Jocasta Innes who died last year.
Hallway of Jocasta Innes’ house
Jocasta Innes’ kitchen
Jocasta Innes’ library with portrait of her mother
Chest in Jocasta Innes’ bedroom
Secret door on the landing in Jocasta Innes’ house leading to Richard MacCormac’s house
View back from Richard MacCormac’s house towards the secret door
Stairwell with display of medals belonging to Richard MacCormac’s ancestors
Richard MacCormac’s library
Folding desk in Richard MacCormac’s study
“The two Spitalfields houses, and our lives, were bound together, continually touched by our shared interests. They have many characteristics in common – illusion, allusion, surprise, humour and, of course, colour, but with the distinct identities which reflect us both” – Richard MacCormac
All photographs except exterior shot © Jan Baldwin
Exterior photograph © Hélène Rollin
A limited number of copies for Two Houses in Spitalfields by Richard MacCormac with photographs by Jan Baldwin are available for sale in aid of Maggie’s Centres from www.maccormac.net
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I love how they both brought these beautiful old houses back to life and made them so beautiful. The secret doors give a wonderful little twist to the story. Valerie
Secret doors between two houses – how perfect. That’s a little daydream of mine.
Utterly scrumptious! My kind of house! Perfect.
Fabulous houses. I’m really looking forward to getting the book.
Lovely homes. — Richard MacCormac’s library (look at the extra shelves for specific books!) and the secret doors are very special!
Love & Peace
ACHIM
Lovely homes. Wishing I had a secret door. Found it interesting that Mr. MacCormac’s folding desk here would be called a secretary. Or at least that’s what my parents called the one they gave me.
Jocasta Innes was a wonderful and inspiring decorator. I am sorry that she is gone. I too wish that I had a secret door.
I wonder if the Mamod traction engine in one of the photographs was purchased from me in the 1960’s when I was selling them for £7.10.0 brand new.
The houses are fantastic, very good photography.
Gary
This is interior design at its very best and what a superb use of colour, I shall be going back again and again I know to look at these photographs. I have always been an admirer of Jocasta Innes’ style, there is nothing that jars in these rooms, and I am lost in admiration, what a clever lady she was.
Been there twice once to a house party there and my second visit was a job interview lol.
Enchanting. Parts of this remind me of the feeling I got when I walked into my grandmother’s house many years ago.
How lucky to have you dear author.
Re discovering these words and pictures is a real gift.
I had the great fortune to live many years in this paradise.
Thank you!
Exquisite Beautiful, hidden gems of London’s past.