Katherine A at
Art-e-facts blog suggested I might like to visit this building. I had noticed it before but didn't realise that it was open to public for 3 months of the year so thanks to Katherine for the info. Two Temple Place is situated close to the Embankment in London. The building was built in 1895 for William Waldorf Astor. He wanted the building to be both a home and an office away from the USA.
The weather vane above the building is a representation of the Santa Maria, the ship on which Columbus travelled when he discovered America. Unfortunately for me I couldn't get a side on view of the ship as the wind was blowing from the wrong direction!
Inside is an array of wooden carvings representing a wide range of literary characters to historical figures.
Above the main staircase is this ceiling of stained glass
Inside the main hall are two beautiful stained glass windows.
More literary figures feature around the ceiling in the hall. Some of which have been gilded to make them stand out.
The door leading from the Great Hall to the main staircase.
These bronze lamp standards designed by Frith adorn the steps to the front of the building. They were to celebrate the age of telecommunications and electricity
The building is now managed by the Bulldog Trust as you can see from the sign.
Sharing with
Our World Tuesday
Beautiful architecture and windows. - Margy
ReplyDeleteWell done, you beat me to blogging about it. I'm so glad you got to see the building. Everything was lovely, from the toilets to the stairwell to the entrance. I couldn't quite get my head round the amount of carving we saw, and it was a private house too. It's amazing what money can buy. Looking forward to your future adventures. Katharine x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, interesting building!! I would love to spend some time there!! Great captures for the day!! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent building and great shots! Such opulence in that era ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
Hi again. I forgot to thank you for mentioning me on your blog. Thank you so much. Really appreciated. x
ReplyDeleteA fascinating structure. Thank you for the "tour" Marie. Love all that wood carving and beautiful stained glass windows - very clever.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a place! Thanks for sharing all your photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of a very interesting place. So many fascinating details!
ReplyDeleteThe interiors are lovely. One can spend a whole day inspecting the architectural details.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
What an incredible building. How much time did the owner spend there? Why is it only open 3 months a year?
ReplyDeleteThat's an impressive building. The stained glass would never survive where I live, because of the frequent large hail!
ReplyDeleteIt is only in recent years I have realised that stained glass doesn't have to be plain old stuff found in a small church. There are some great examples in this building.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is something. The stained glass windows are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and opulent building! It is certainly from the Gilded Age. I like the wood carvings --such exquisite work!
ReplyDeleteoooh very interesting! I have spanish ancestry so have enjoyed reading this
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful building and the interior is stunning with all these wooden sculptures and stained glass windows !
ReplyDeleteLovely stained glass windows and carvings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building with lots of details! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteOnce again you have found and shared with us "Alternative London". Those bronzes are quite wonderful and so are those the stained glass windows.
ReplyDeletecool place! Are their artisans like that alive today? I think it is all about slapping buildings together today. Sigh
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to go inside.
ReplyDeleteI just love seeing hand crafts like the weathervane, wood carvings and stained glass. Amazing what creative people can do and have done for centuries.
ReplyDeleteI used to park my coach at Temple (place for two, exit through the right door) all the time, but have never paid attention to the buildings around it. I will have to go back some day!!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful carvings and windows, and that wind vane is just exquisite.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! We visitied the Temple I wondered what this building is. We love the ship above and get a really good picture of it. But how gorgeous the windows and the inside! Thank you for showing.
ReplyDeleteGusta
Hi again. I linked this post to mine about Two temple Place. I hope you don't mind. Hope it sends some traffic your way, to see the building itself.
ReplyDelete