Tropical Birdhouse (the Blackburn Pavilion)

London Zoo, Westminster.

Unlisted. 1882-3 by Charles Brown Trollope.

The red brick and sandstone building was originally the world’s first purpose-built reptile house. It is one of only 3 Victorian buildings still standing at the zoo. It has an elegant pitched glass and iron roof carried on stylized columns, and originally had large windows set between pilasters along the main façade. The Building was converted to an aviary in 1927-8 and many of the windows were blocked up or lost to make way for additional aviaries attached to the building. London Zoo are now undertaking a £2.38 million restoration to create a new aviary for tropical birds and humming birds. As part of the works the original windows and doorways will be restored, and the fine glass–roofed interior will hold an “open aviary” which will offer visitors an intimate experience with the birds. The Trust offered £5,000 towards the restoration of the Crittal windows in memory of our late Trustee Kevin Gardner, who was a life-long fellow of the Zoological Society of London. The newly restored building was re-opened in time for Easter 2008, and Diana Beattie presented HOLT's cheque to Emily SHeath of London Zoo at the re-opneing festivities on March 20th, 2008.

photos (below): Diana Beattie presents a cheque to Emily Sheath of ZSL oustide the Tropical Birdhouse; the birds take up residence; view of the exterior during the opening ceremony. Copyright ZSL.