I like a building with character and a story to tell. Conway Hall at the end of Red Lion Square near Holborn is a great example of both.
First, it’s rather interesting history.
It was built to be the home of an ethical society (renamed the Conway Hall Ethical Society after an American Moncure D Conway who twice led the organisation in the 19th century) and is thought to be the oldest surviving freethought organisation in the world.
Now, not being particularly up on ethical societies, I looked up the definition and this is what it read. “The premise of Ethical Culture is that honouring and living in accordance with a code of ethics is required to live a meaningful life and for making the world a better place for all people.” Sound pretty worthy to me.
Then it went onto say. The Society’s origins trace back to 1787, as a nonconformist congregation, led by Elhanan Winchester, an American, rebelling against the doctrine of eternal damnation.
Okay we get the gist.
The building itself, now grade II listed, was also a bit controversial when it was built.
Designed in the Art Deco style and constructed in silver-grey brick with red brick detailing, it was officially opened on 23 September 1929. The architect aware that his design could appear a little incoherent, tried to make it more aesthetically pleasing by purchasing six stone urns bought from a city bank – two placed on top of the entrance columns – and four on the roof. Did the trick I reckon.
The main auditorium can hold 300 plus 180 in a gallery, and in recent years has been used as a corporate events space for conferences and product launches and regular recordings and concerts.
