Goldsmiths Hall Reliefs - Foster Lane, London, UK
N 51° 30.944 W 000° 05.771
30U E 701473 N 5711176
Goldsmith's Hall, a Grade I listed building that is home to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, is located at the junction of Foster Lane and Gresham Street in the City of London. It was designed by Philip Harwick and built 1829-35.
Waymark Code: WMNDR6
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/23/2015
Views: 1
The PMSA website tells us briefly about the art:
Building characterised by massive capitals to pilasters and columns. Very elaborate Corinthian type.
Between them at frontispiece (Foster Lane), huge heraldic ensemble beneath frieze: two unicorn (bronze horns) support helmeted cartouche with strong lion head reliefs etc. Helmet topped by 1/2 figure of Queen Elizabeth I. Ribbon below with inscription: JUSTITIA / VIRTUTUM / REGINA.
- To the sides four very large reliefs; from left to right:
- Roman legionaries' arms with spears / ram's head / fasces etc.caduceus with cornucopia;
- Musical instruments;
- Nautical ensemble with trident / sea horse / galley / anchor / flags / etc.
Lion headed brackets to all first floor window pediments. Lion head and swag detail to doorway, which also has very elaborate gates with Goldsmiths' and City arms, with lion heads below. Six contemporary lamp standards along this façade.
The Goldsmith's Company website tells us:
Positioned at the junction of Foster Lane and Gresham Street, north east of St. Paul's Cathedral, the magnificent Hall, opened in 1835, is one of London's hidden treasures.
The Hall is the third on this site, the Goldsmiths' Company being located here since 1339. Little is known of the first Hall but the second was erected in 1634-6 and restored after the Great Fire of 1666. It lasted for almost two centuries, but was eventually demolished in the late 1820s. The present Hall, by Philip Hardwick, remains much as he designed it, although there have been changes to the decorative schemes and the use of rooms. The Hall narrowly escaped complete destruction when in 1941 a bomb exploded inside the south-west corner. Faithfully restored on the exterior after the War and internally modified, it retains much of the charm of an urban palazzo. A major refurbishment which was completed in 1990 has further adapted this great building for the 21st century.
The building is Grade I listed with the entry at the English Heritage website telling us:
1829-35 by Philip Hardwick. Detached, Portland stone building in rich classical style. 3 storeys. 11 Windows to main west front with engaged, 6 columned, Corinthian portico, on high pedestal, rising through 3 storeys. Returns have 7 windows with 4 pilasters. Pedimented lst floor windows: central 5 to west front have balconies on brackets with elaborate carving above. Pair of lamps and good metalwork to entrance. 4 good lamp standards on granite bases - lanterns possibly renewed. Irregular rear with cast iron area railing and 5 large, round arched windows to hall on 1st floor. Very good interior, especially staircase, hall and north front room.