Art Deco Heaven: Inside RIBA London
Cutting a fine shape at 66 Portland Place is the head quarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Built 1933-34, it was one of the first modernist buildings to achieve Grade II* listed status. Really though, the magic is inside. I joined a tour in search of Art Deco heaven…
As you enter, look up to spot to sculptures atop columns. They show a man and woman as creative ‘spirits’ of architecture, designed by British sculptor James Woodford.
‘Advancement of Architecture’
RIBA was founded in 1834 for the ‘advancement of architecture’, exactly 100 years before the Portland Place premises was realised. Today it’s comprised of over 40,000 professional architects, offering training for them, but also a programme of events for enthusiasts. It also and represents architectural interests on a government level, seeking to inform and influence policy.
The symbol of RIBA is the lion rampant (upright with its forepaws raised). It can be spotted all over the building.
The Interiors
Built for architects by architects, the building was designed by George Grey Wornum. Based around a steel frame and clad in Portland stone, the corner position of the former townhouse allows for some extraordinary spaces inside.
Light streams into The Florence Hall through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The light throws into focus the carved limestone walls, covered in images of craftsmen, celebrating the stone masons, carpenters and metalworkers that contribute to a building’s design.
The RIBA Café is also bathed in clean light and (happily!) is open to the public.
In contrast you have some of the boardrooms, popular for small conferences and board meetings, like the Aston Webb room below.
What might appear to look like wood panelled walls, is actually leather. The yellowish brown has appeared after years of cigarette smoke stains!
If that sounds unpleasant, the room certainly isn’t. Windows overlooking Portland Place let natural light stream in and an otherwise dark, atmospheric, room is light and airy.
Every good interior requires a showstopper feature. At RIBA, the staircase doesn’t disappoint;
The Details
The other aspects you notice about 66 Portland Place are the utmost care and attention given over to every detail.
From the flecked gold marble in the double height entrance hall,
To the depictions of craftsmen in the Florence Hall.
Also in the Florence Hall is this elaborate carved wooden screen. It shows flora and fauna from Commonwealth nations, can you spot the kangaroo?!
Some of the details are historic too. On the tour I was pointed out the War memorial for RIBA members. If you look to the top right you’ll seen a replacement brass plaque. It seems someone managed to cheat death!
Remember we saw the Aston Webb – and it’s smoke-stained walls – earlier? Well here’s further evidence of the habit. Ash trays were a very necessary accessory in mid century buildings.
VISITING
If you fancy having a look around this building yourself, the RIBA Cafe and library are open to the public every day. You can also find out more about tours and venue hire here.
More London Inspiration
Nestled behind the Bank of England you can find St Margaret Lothbury. It’s easy to miss, hemmed in by other buildings, but if open it’s well worth popping in to admire its treasures and history. (I’ve previously written about the beautiful Italianate building next door,......
Within the extensive grounds of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire you can find remnants of inspiration for one of London’s most extraordinary buildings, The Crystal Palace. It gave its name to an area of London (and a football team!) but thanks to a disastrous fire you......
Have you admired this dolls house-esque building on Tower Hill? This is Trinity House, an institution whose history stretches back to 1514, based here since 1794. What is Trinity House? Today Trinity House is a charity and its primary concern is the safety of shipping......
For the everyday passerby, there’s not much reason to venture into Strand Lane. It’s not a convenient cut through to the Strand however it has two quite amazing bits of history to discover! I’ve previously covered one of them on the blog, the history of......
As part of my new walking tour Hidden Wonders of Waterloo I’ve been researching the history of Surrey Chapel, an 18th century church that once stood by Southwark Station. Although it no longer stands today, it’s a prime example of the historic twists and turns......
Transport a 12th century monk to Aldgate today and there’s very little that they’d recognise. However inside this office block you can find a tiny part of an epic Medieval Priory where they’d feel right at home! If you’re passing 77 Leadenhall Street, peer through......
asia99
I don’t ｅven know the waｙ I stopped up here,however I thought this put
up wwas great. І don’t realize who you are bbut certainly you are going to a well-known blogger
should you are not already. Cheerѕ!