Residential building in London, England From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Du Cane Court is an Art Deco apartment block on Balham High Road, Balham, south London. A distinctive local landmark, it comprises 677 apartments and was believed to be Europe's largest privately owned apartment block when it was built in 1937.[1]
It was a popular place to live for many music hall stars in the 1930s and 1940s and boasted a social club, on the top floor, before the area was converted into flats. Past residents have included the comedian Tommy Trinder.[2] Currently comedian and writer Arthur Smith, the self-styled 'Bard of Balham', is a resident.[3]
During the Second World War it was speculated that Du Cane Court had escaped bombing because it was planned for use by military officers in the event of a successful German invasion.[4][5] One reason for this theory is that the building was believed to resemble a swastika from above, but this is not true.[6]
Similar Art Deco residential buildings in London include Florin Court, Cholmeley Lodge and Hillfield Court
