I’ve spent a couple more weekends moving from space to space through the Directors Parlours bringing up the layers of detail. Centre Hall is what its name implies, the space that links together the rooms where all the major decisions were made: Governor’s Office, Deputy Governor, Court Room, Committee Room. Lots of interesting Family Editor challenges. The coffered arch with ceiling roses is one I’d like to explain in detail when I have the time.
Beyond the Centre Hall is another impressive circulation space, the Rustic Lobby. Like the Centre Hall, there are coffered arches either side of a lofty central volume. But instead of a groin vault you get a tower with top lighting. And of course the walls are rusticated, hence the name. Working my way through these spaces I get a tremendous feel for the way Soane could ring the changes. Notice the different treatment of the coffered arch motif.
As you know, I’m not alone in this…