The Orangery

Completed in 1761, the Orangery was designed by Sir William Chambers. It is also the largest classical style building in the Gardens, measuring 28 m (92 ft) long by 10 m (33 ft) deep. Once, it was England's biggest glasshouse.

Princess Augusta's coat of arms was placed over the central bay of the facade in the 1840s, along with the Royal Arms and escutcheons with the monogram 'A' in honour of Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV.

It was originally designed, as its name suggests, as a hothouse for orange trees but it was never successful as the light levels were too low. Large glazed doors were added to the end gable walls in 1842, but even then, the building was used to house other large plants - not citrus.

The Orangery was subjected to numerous changes of use through the years until 1959, when the building was restored to its original form, with the exterior again restored and redecorated in 2002.

Despite its shortcomings as a home for citrus trees, the Orangery has a great deal of architectural significance, as a major classical building designed by William Chambers. Today, its shortcomings have been neatly overcome in its most recent incarnation as a deservedly popular, elegant café-restaurant.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Entrance Zone

Carry on to: Colour Spectrum

See also

Kew's History & Heritage: The Orangery