Rosie H.
Google
Applause to Fiona — the best tour guide I have ever met! From the very first moment, she gave us a warm welcome. She is incredibly knowledgeable, but above all, I felt her true passion for this extraordinary house. Even more remarkable, she is a volunteer! Because of her guidance, the story of 575 Wandsworth Road came alive — the carvings, the history, and the spirit of Khadambi Asalache all illuminated. It is thanks to people like Fiona that the National Trust not only survives, but thrives.
I had been waiting for a year to finally get a ticket — and it was absolutely worth the trip! My advice: give yourself plenty of time and use the full hour to immerse yourself in this magical house. Don’t leave early for other matters — you’ll regret missing a moment!
As for Khadambi Asalache’s story, I personally can’t help but wonder about the wider colonial context. Born in 1935 as the son of a local chief in western Kenya, he came to Britain in the 1960s, just as Kenya gained independence in 1963. It made me think — perhaps, as in many other colonial settings, when children of chiefs or local elites were brought to the metropole, it might not have been only a “reward,” but also part of a subtle strategy: to cultivate future allies, to show gratitude, or even to secure loyalty. This is just my own reflection, not something based on documented evidence.
Seen in this light, Asalache’s deep attachment to Kenya in his poetry and in every carved panel of 575 Wandsworth Road feels even more poignant. The house is more than a London gem — it is a personal work of art shaped by the tensions of exile, memory, and heritage across continents. Highly recommended — and if you are lucky enough to have Fiona as your guide, the experience will be unforgettable.
