The captivating photographs by Venetia Scott possess an unmistakable aura, often evoking the distinct aesthetic of the 1970s. This temporal resonance is palpable, emanating from the carefully curated furniture, the striking Brutalist art installations, or the unexpected tranquility of a forest clearing. Viewers are invariably drawn into a narrative, questioning the presence of the well-dressed enigma at the heart of each frame, who meets their gaze with unwavering directness. This immersive quality is a hallmark of Scott’s work, a testament to her status as an ultra-discreet British fashion photographer and polymath, whose creative sanctuary is nestled at the end of a quiet street in North Kensington.
The Genesis of a Creative Space
Scott’s journey to establishing this unique abode is deeply intertwined with her artistic sensibilities and personal history. The property itself, a Victorian-era building, underwent a significant transformation to become her live-work studio. Acquired in 2004 from artist Felicia Larsson, the building had previously served as a postal sorting office. Larsson had commissioned the architectural firm Orefelt Associates to redesign it, incorporating distinctive tall, fin-like piers to support an upper living floor, with bedrooms discreetly tucked beneath. This architectural foundation provided Scott with the expansive, light-filled canvas she envisioned.
The initial impression upon entering Scott’s home is a dramatic vertical sweep of dark green walls, ascending towards the apex of a Victorian-era industrial roof, a design that floods the space with natural light. This dramatic entryway immediately sets the tone for a residence that is both a functional workspace and a deeply personal haven. The building’s industrial past, coupled with its subsequent artistic reimagining, provides a rich backdrop for Scott’s multifaceted career.
A Home Designed for Creation and Living
Scott’s decision to purchase the former postal sorting office was met with skepticism from some, a fact she recounts with a laugh. However, she was immediately drawn to its inherent flow and the potential it offered for both her personal life and her burgeoning career. At the time of her purchase, Scott was designing for the Marc by Marc Jacobs line and was keen to establish a dedicated space for building sets and developing her creative concepts.
"I came here against everybody’s advice," she recalls. "Because the whole thing has a great flow to it. It was just me and Lola, and I wanted it to be a fun place to be. It felt free and liberating." The presence of her daughter, Lola, then seven years old (with former partner Juergen Teller), was a significant factor in her desire to create a welcoming and inspiring environment.
The main living area is a testament to Scott’s ability to seamlessly blend her professional and personal lives. Photographs by Roni Horn adorn the walls above a hide-covered Barcelona bench by Mies van der Rohe in the entry. The walls themselves are painted a deep, rich green by Paint & Papers, a color that complements the building’s industrial heritage and the natural light.
The Studio: A Hub of Creative Energy
The studio space, located directly ahead from the entrance, is where much of Scott’s editorial and design work takes shape. Here, surrounded by an array of vintage furniture and creative inspirations, she orchestrates complex visual narratives. The space is currently being utilized for a cover story for British Vogue, a testament to her enduring influence in the fashion industry.
The studio is furnished with an ensemble of red, crackled leather Charles Pollock for Knoll swivel chairs, which Scott humorously notes she likely acquired from eBay in America. This collection of seating, with its distinctly Mad Men-era aesthetic, provides a compelling ironic counterpoint to the room’s primary focus: the unwavering gaze of women and girls captured in Scott’s photography. An entire wall is dedicated to these striking portraits, cropped from her shoots and presented as part of her 2019 exhibition and book, Fragile Face Lay Flat. These images transform models back into individuals, a deliberate choice by Scott, who emphasizes her consistent direction to her subjects: "’Eyes to camera.’"
The Art of Storytelling Through Environment
Scott’s approach to fashion photography is distinct. Unlike many of her peers, she prioritizes the environment as a foundational element of her storytelling. She believes that locations are integral to constructing a narrative, allowing her to weave together the identity of her subject with their surroundings. "Locations are a massive part of my story-building, because I try and knit together who the person is, and where they would be. It’s almost the first thing for me," she explains. "If I know the colors of the place—then I can mix the colors of the clothes or textures of them into it."
This philosophy extends to her studio’s capabilities. One side of the studio is dedicated to set building, allowing Scott and her team to construct entirely new environments for shoots. "We create different rooms for shoots. We’ll add flooring, curtains, wallpaper, wall lights, skirting boards, furniture, and all the rest of it. I’ve shot lots of magazine stories in here," she states, highlighting the versatility of her creative space.
A Deep Dive into the 1970s Aesthetic
Scott’s photographic work is often associated with the 1970s, a connection she acknowledges with a mix of amusement and self-awareness. While she asserts that she doesn’t consciously aim for this particular era, the aesthetic seems to manifest organically in her creations. "I feel like I often go back to that time. Which is weird, because I was only seven," she remarks. This fascination may stem from her childhood experiences; her father, a British military attaché, lived in Iran and France, leading to a nomadic upbringing for Scott, who spent much of her youth in boarding schools.
This history of limited autonomy over her environment might explain her profound appreciation for creating and controlling her own surroundings. "We weren’t allowed to have anything in our rooms except a poster or two. I remember my parents gave me an Iranian rug. They said I could always sit on it and fly home. Which of course, you couldn’t." This early experience with restricted personal space could have cultivated a deep-seated desire to imbue her own environment with richness, personality, and a sense of freedom.
The Evolution of a Personal Sanctuary
Scott’s home has undergone a thoughtful evolution, a process she divides into two distinct phases. The initial phase, shortly after acquiring the property, involved a whirlwind of acquisitions from local antique markets and specialist stores. "I whizzed around on this crazy shopping spree at Alfie’s Antique Market and Themes & Variations," she recalls. This resulted in a collection of Danish and Italian midcentury furniture, vibrant Murano glass, and whimsical plastic pears sourced from Paris, many of which have endured as cherished pieces. "I did all that quickly, then just left it for 20 years."
The second phase of renovation occurred during the lockdown period. "When there wasn’t much work, I did phase two, which was removing a divider and opening up the area right to the back," she explains. This significant alteration led to the installation of a custom Arclinea kitchen. Featuring a sophisticated green hue that subtly contrasts with the walls and is accented with gold trim, and equipped with a professional Wolf oven, the kitchen is a focal point for entertaining. "I’m not a cook, but I love it when people come over and all of this space seems to work beautifully."
Personal Touches and Unexpected Finds
The residential quarters of the property present a different atmosphere, characterized by a deliberate embrace of spaces with less natural light. Scott describes her bedroom as her "den," a cozy retreat carpeted in a bold leopard-spot pattern and dominated by a grand sleigh bed from Simon Horn. "I decided to embrace the no-light situation with these heavy corduroy curtains," she says, opting for a luxurious and enveloping feel.
Above her bed hangs an Alfred Wallis painting of a trawler at sea, a piece that resonates deeply with her. On her nightstand rests a concave, moon-like geometric artwork in gold leaf by Piers Jackson, which, despite the room’s limited light, emanates a soft glow. "I love it. I think it speaks to me more than almost anything I have," she shares, underscoring the personal significance of her chosen art.
The Ultimate Fashion Lover’s Dream
Perhaps the most serendipitous discovery within the property, particularly for a fashion icon, was the existence of a remarkably long, transparent sliding door leading to a custom-built wardrobe. Spanning sixteen feet, this pre-existing feature felt like a perfect integration into her lifestyle. "I mean, look. This was already here," she exclaims with delight. "It just couldn’t be bettered." This unexpected architectural element perfectly encapsulates the synergy between Scott’s personal life and her passion for fashion, offering a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for her extensive wardrobe.
Broader Context and Artistic Resonance
Venetia Scott’s London home is more than just a residence; it is a living embodiment of her creative philosophy. The blend of industrial heritage, midcentury design, and her personal collection of art and objects creates a unique and inspiring environment. Her ability to infuse each space with a distinct narrative, drawing parallels between her photography, her personal history, and her surroundings, is a testament to her status as a true polymath. The house, much like her photographs, invites viewers to step into a world that is both familiar and intriguing, a carefully constructed yet effortlessly lived-in sanctuary. The ongoing presence of vintage pieces, combined with modern updates, suggests a dynamic approach to design that values both history and functionality. The home’s evolution, particularly the recent kitchen renovation, reflects a desire to enhance its capacity for hospitality and social interaction, mirroring Scott’s own vibrant and collaborative spirit.
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