Fears grow for Stockwell's historic hospital

Founded in 1889 by Dr Annie McCall, one of the first fifty women to qualify in medicine, the Clapham Maternity Hospital, as it was originally known, worked to combat the extremely high mortality rates of mothers during childbirth. Expanded in 1915, it was renamed after its founder in 1936 and continued in use as a maternity hospital until 1970. For the last twenty years, it has housed a community of artists and provided the setting for many exhibitions and events for local residents. Yet the artists could soon be looking for a new home if plans to demolish the historic hospital to make way for flats are allowed to go ahead.

‘It would be a great shame to see Stockwell Studios go,’ said Heloise Brown, Conservation Adviser of the Victorian Society. ‘The building is a fascinating testament to the tenacity of Annie McCall and the artists there have kept it accessible for local people to enjoy. It’s a credit to Lambeth Council that they have allowed such a valuable resource to thrive for the last twenty years. We hope they don’t abandon it now.’