Monday 26 September 2011

Open House

(Ex-Daily Express building, Fleet Street)

Last weekend I attended several Open House events. For those that haven’t been to Open House before, it’s a London-based event which allows you to visit many buildings that are normally off-limit. It’s a great opportunity to take a look around some of London’s best kept secrets.

(Ex-Daily Express building, Fleet Street)

(Ceiling light, ex-Daily Express building, Fleet Street)

First on our list was the ex-Daily Express Art Deco-style building located on Fleet Street. Unfortunately, only the lobby that was open to the public (as it is now in the hands of Goldman Sachs), however it was incredible to get a glimpse of the ornate silver and gilt plaster wall reliefs, the silver pendent lamp, oval staircase and snake hand rails.

(Silver and gilt plaster relief, ex-Daily Express building, Fleet Street)

(View of the stairwell, ex-Daily Express building, Fleet Street)

(Snake hand rail, ex-Daily Express building, Fleet Street)

(Chest of drawers containing prints, St Bride Institute, Fleet Street)

First on our list was the ex-Daily Express Art Deco-style building located on Fleet Street. Unfortunately, only the lobby that was open to the public (as it is now in the hands of Goldman Sachs), however it was incredible to get a glimpse of the ornate silver and gilt plaster wall reliefs, the silver pendent lamp, oval staircase and snake hand rails.

(Main entrance, St Bride Institute, Fleet Street)

(St Bride Church, Fleet Street)

The St Bride church in the background is also the inspiration for the modern day tiered wedding cake due to its architecture of the same shape.

(Little Britain)

(Art Deco clock, Fleet Street)

(Lifts, 1 Finsbury Circus)

1 Finsbury Circus was a beautiful example of teaming old and new design seamlessly. The building, once home to BP, is a Lutyens Grade II listed building and has been redeveloped with a contemporary interior and striking roof which allows masses of sunlight through.

(Atrium ceiling, 1 Finsbury Circus)

(View of offices, 1 Finsbury Circus)


2 comments:

  1. i have never heard of an open house event. it looks like a really interesting way to spend a day. Those snake hand rails are crazy!
    margief
    x
    www.margieheartsclothes.blogspot.com

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  2. Margie,

    You should definitely go next year if you have the chance, it's such a great way to see interesting places of interest in London that are normally closed to the public!

    T-Shirt and Tails x

    Ps The hand rails are incredible. Sadly, I'm not sure that I could get away with them in my flat though...

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