St John's Church
Spencer Hill, Wimbledon SW19 4NZ
The Academy's primary performance venue is St John's Church in Wimbledon.
Click on the icon below for a map and details of public transport and parking:
The Academy enjoys performing in St John’s Church because of its fine acoustic. The proportions of the building, and in particular the fine barrel roof, provide just the resonance that is needed to give bloom to the sound without loss of clarity. Notes can be heard throughout the building, however quietly they are played or sung.
The interior of the building is also visually attractive, conveying a sense of space, proportion and peace. The architect, Sir Thomas Jackson, went on to design many of Oxford’s Victorian buildings, including the Examination Schools.
Consecrated in 1875, the church contains windows and others features which reflect the influence of William Morris. The Lady Chapel has an attractive wooden reredos designed by Martin Travers, donated by the Bloxham family as a memorial to their son, killed in World War I.
This Church is now becoming the venue of choice for several chamber groups and solo artists. The area around St John’s Church is quiet and the building has been used for recordings. If you would like to receive information about the range of activities at St John’s Church, click here to send an email.