Christian Barman (1898-1980) was an English architect, product designer and author who built the house known as Pearl’s Pond in Ealing using modernist principles he had developed throughout his life.
Barman was appointed editor of the AJ in 1925, became a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1931, and was later made chief publicity officer of the British Transport Commission in 1947. As well as his design work, he wrote several non-fiction works, including a biography of Frank Pick, The Man Who Built London Transport.
An application lodged to Ealing Council last month proposes the demolition of his three-bedroom, chalet bungalow and its replacement with a new two-storey house designed by Awen architects.
These plans have prompted a backlash from some residents, who argue that the building should be saved as a rare and well-preserved example of 20th century architecture which was made for, and by, a significant historical figure.
Ragazan Razvan, who has lived near the property for two years, told the AJ: ‘It would be a tremendous loss of a special and unique house by a significant individual.
‘Unfortunately, not many people around are aware of Peal’s Pond’s important heritage, which is a shame. But the whole character of the area will be changed negatively if Peal’s Pond is demolished and replaced with a new build that looks out of place given the rest of the neighbourhood.’
Razvan pointed out that the building sits on the edge of the Grange and White Ledges conservation area, and argued that it deserves equal protection to other buildings nearby, such as a neighbouring Grade II-listed house which was home to a notable author.
The Lutyens Trust, dedicated to architect Edwin Lutyens, has also lodged an official objection to the planned demolition, highlighting the work that Barman did in Lutyens’ office.
The trust recognises the ‘significance of the house and the importance of its architect in 20th century design’ and is therefore ‘sympathetic to the campaign to retain the building and object to the proposed demolition’.
Ealing conservative councillors Julian Gallant, Seema Kumar and Anthony Young have written to the Planning Department to ‘urge restraint’ and refuse permission for demolition until a judgment decision is made by Historic England.