Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996)

Serge Chermayeff (1900-1996) Born in Russia was a British interior designer and architect. He was educated at Harrow School before his Jewish family lost their money during the Russian Revolution. Although not formerly trained, in the 1920's he was one of London's best known young interior designers. He worked for Waring and Gillows and in 1930 set up his own practice as an architect, during this time he worked with Erich Mendelsohn, together they produced some very important works in the British Modern Movement amongst those being Cohen House, London and The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill in Sussex and worked on designs for Gilbey House in Camden the offices and factory for Gilbeys Gin Distillers.

Chermayeff designs for private homes include Nimmo House, Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire and his own home at Bentley Wood which featured in Country Life in 1940. He lived at 52 Abbey Road from 1930-1940, he worked under Raymond McGrath with Wells Coates and was involved in the collaboration of designers on the interior of Broadcasting House, London, designing the studios and many of the interior fittings.

In 1940 Chermayeff immigrated to the USA, where he taught at California School of Fine Arts.