A temple to peace

Grand Lodge, London WC2 The Freemasons’ Hal: One of London’s most imposing Art Deco interiors has thrown open its doors to visitors. James Campbell explains the remarkable history of this extraordinary building Photographs by Will Pryce

- James Campbell

IF you walk up Long Acre from Covent Garden, your view is commanded by a dramatic tower that belongs to one of the best-preserved—but least recognised—Art Deco buildings in London. With its multiple recessions of plane and crowning aedicule, the tower—technically a ‘pylon’ because it dignifies an entrance— resembles a peace memorial. Indeed, this was the intention, for it was constructed as a cenotaph to the Freemasons who were killed in the First World War and it was originally named the Masonic Peace Memorial Building. Plaques in the pavement outside commemorate Freemasons who have been awarded the Victoria Cross.

Grand Lodge, as it is now known, used to be difficult to access. Today, however, it positively encourages visitors, who can view its extensive museum or shop and newly opened café and bar, as well as join tours to the remote parts of this extraordinary work of architecture.

The predecessor to the present building stood on a neighbouring site on Great Queen Street. It was designed by Thomas Sandby, who trained as a military surveyor, in 1775– 76 and was fronted by a tavern. It was here that meetings of Grand Lodge took place four times a year, when each Lodge was entitled to send its Master to deliberate over decisions about the future of the organisation.

When not used for Freemasonic events, the hall was hired out to other organisations and was a popular venue for concerts and recitals. It was here, for example, that the Academy of Ancient Music met and other notable events, such as the founding of the Anti-Slavery Society and the first meeting of the Geological Society of London, as well as the Football Association, took place.