Lawrence Hall, London facts for kids
Lawrence Hall is a famous building in central London, located on Greycoat Street in Westminster. It is one of two special halls owned by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), a well-known charity. The other hall is Lindley Hall. Both halls are close to the main office of the RHS.
Above the main hall, Lawrence Hall also has a special center designed for meetings and events.
History and Design
Lawrence Hall was built between 1925 and 1928. It was designed by two architects, Easton and Robertson. The building is famous for its beautiful Art Deco style, which was popular at that time. You can see this style in its vaulted ceilings and other inside features.
The hall has tall, curved arches that start as square pillars. These unique arches were designed by Easton. Because of its amazing design, the building won a gold medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects. In 1983, Lawrence Hall was officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
Modern Use and Changes
In 2006, Lawrence Hall and its meeting center were updated with a £1.2 million renovation. Even though it was built mainly for exhibitions, the hall is now often used for other things. These include launching new products and holding large meetings or conferences.
In December 2011, the RHS made a big announcement. They leased Lawrence Hall to Westminster School for 999 years. This long lease cost the school £18 million. The agreement allows the RHS to still use the hall for four of their popular flower shows every year. Westminster School has since changed the building to use it as a sports center for its students.
