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Did You Know? RCP London Events’ venue is celebrating 60 years!

November 2024

Since 1964, the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) striking Grade I listed building has stood proudly beside Regent’s Park. Designed by the visionary Sir Denys Lasdun, a pioneer of British modernist architecture, the venue is one of London's most significant post-war architectural achievements.

Image credit: Ian Bursill and Caroline Wedding Photography

While the RCP itself boasts a 500-year history, with numerous homes over the centuries, this modernist masterpiece has been its residence for the past six decades. The story began in 1958, when the RCP purchased the site - originally Someries House, a Regency building designed by John Nash, damaged extensively during WWII. The location was approved for redevelopment, provided the new design would harmonise with Nash’s remaining Regency architecture along St Andrews Place. After an extensive selection process, Lasdun was awarded the commission and immersed himself in the organisation’s activities before developing his final, bold vision.

Image credit: RCP

When it was completed, the building received its final seal of approval from none other than Queen Elizabeth II, who formally opened it in 1964.

The building seamlessly blends clean lines, concrete and glass with brutalist and classical elements, creating spaces suitable for ceremonial, social and study activities. A historic library, a 17th century oak panelled room and portrait galleries live in harmony alongside the marble clad Lasdun Hall and the futuristic Council Chamber.

Image credit: copyright RCP - photo by Mike Fear

In 1992, Lasdun’s work earned the Royal Institute of British Architects Trustees Medal, further cementing the building’s legacy, considered to be ‘the best architecture of its time anywhere in the world’.

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