The area of West London around Kensington was built up from the 1800s onwards, although there were a handful of earlier buildings, such as Kensington Palace and Holland House. It was a prosperous artistic quarter when first developed, and many of the grand houses from this era remain, some with specially designed north-facing studios and some lived in by famous artists. Towards South Kensington there is the Albert Hall and the Museum Quarter and other buildings of 'Albertopolis' developed during Queen Victoria’s reign, with many of the most visited buildings in London including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Not least, there is the extraordinary Brompton cemetery.

Kensington in 50 Buildings explores the history of this fascinating area of West London through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Kensington or who have an interest in the area.

Steve Bower has university qualifications in engineering and town planning and has completed a photography evening course. Alongside a career as a social housing developer, he has maintained a continuing passion for buildings and how they create exciting towns and has also contributed listed-building photos to Historic England’s Images of England project, including in London. He has lived in West London since completing his university education.