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The London Library The HAC Shaftesbury Theatre Young V&A Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery English National Ballet Camley Street Natural Park Frameless Bishopsgate Institute Mansion House Roundhouse The Courtauld Gallery Royal College of Music No.11 Cavendish Square Science Gallery London No.4 Hamilton Place One Birdcage Walk The Postal Museum Sadler’s Wells Horniman Museum and Gardens Houses of Parliament The Royal Institution of Great Britain {10-11} Carlton House Terrace RSA House British Library Two Temple Place The National Gallery Chiswick House and Gardens Goldsmiths' Centre, The Somerset House Sir John Soane's Museum Science Museum Royal Opera House Royal Museums Greenwich RIBA at 66 Portland Place Royal Hospital Chelsea Whitechapel Gallery Royal Horticultural Halls Westminster Abbey Royal Geographical Society Wellcome Collection Venue Hire Wallace Collection RCP London Events (Royal College of Physicians) Royal Albert Hall V&A South Kensington Twickenham Stadium Royal Air Force Museum Trinity House Tower of London Tower Bridge Old Royal Naval College Tate Britain Syon Park St Paul's Cathedral St Martin-in-the-Fields Southwark Cathedral Spencer House Natural History Museum National Theatre National Portrait Gallery Museum of the Order of St. John Museum of London, Docklands Museum of London Museum of Brands The Honourable Society of The Middle Temple Lord's Cricket Ground London Transport Museum Kew Gardens Kensington Palace Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn Harrow School Hampton Court Palace Guildhall Foundling Museum Dulwich Picture Gallery the Design Museum Cutty Sark BAFTA 195 Piccadilly Banqueting House Chelsea Physic Garden Central Hall Westminster Freemasons’ Hall Christ Church Spitalfields

Historic houses of London

Thursday, September 7, 2017 - 11:00
London is bursting with an extraordinary variety of remarkable residences, home to many great thinkers and influential figures from a by-gone era. From Tudor dwellings to modernist masterpieces, there is no shortage of dwellings steeped in history and filled with art, treasures and secrets of the past that are waiting to be uncovered.
 
Whether you've a taste for Regency splendour or artistic bohemia, the capital offers a wealth of world-class historic houses, perfect to wallow in on a weekend afternoon or use as a stunning back-drop for your next event.
 
To find out more about these amazing member venues and many more you will be able to find us at the SquareMeal Venue & Events Live show at stand G38 on 20th-21st September. 
 
Leighton House Museum

Leighton House Museum, former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist, Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896), is a trove of drawings, sculptures and classical treasures from around the world. Originally constructed on a modest basis, it grew to become a ‘private palace of art’ visited by many of the great artists of the day and regarded as one of the architectural sights of London.

 This hidden gem, with its opulent and exotic interiors is steeped in the history of Victorian art and architecture, featuring extraordinary period interiors such the stunning Arab Hall with its golden dome, intricate mosaics and walls lined with beautiful Islamic tiles.

 Leighton House Museum is an unforgettable setting for corporate and private dinners, receptions, lectures, concerts and photographic or film shoots. Guests can evoke the world of the Arabian nights with a cocktail reception against the stunning backdrop of the Arab Hall, or dine in the studio where Leighton painted his greatest works.

 An exhibition of works by one of Leighton’s contemporaries, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, is currently on display at the museum. Alma-Tadema: At Home in Antiquity (7 July – 29 October 2017), sees over 130 works by the leading Victorian artist hung throughout Leighton House Museum, making the exhibition the museum's most monumental exhibition to date.


Chiswick House & Gardens
 
A glorious example of innovative 18th-century British architecture, Chiswick House is one of the finest English examples of the Neo-Palladian style. It was designed and built by Richard Boyle, third Earl of Burlington and his friend and architect, William Kent.
 
This enigmatic building has influences ranging from the work of Venetian architect Andrea Palladio, ancient Roman archaeology, and the designs of the British architect Inigo Jones. The deceptively simple exterior acts as a counter-point to the rich, elaborate interior. With its gilded decoration, intricate ceiling paintings and spectacular grounds, this luxurious house makes a truly picturesque setting for weddings and parties, corporate hospitality or collaborative location hire.
 
Benjamin Franklin House
 
Benjamin Franklin House is the world’s only remaining home of the great inventor, writer, diplomat, and US founding father. Built circa 1730, the house is a beautiful Grade I listed Georgian space remarkable for its simplicity and original features.
There are five historic rooms to choose from including the spacious and elegant ground floor, that Benjamin Franklin lived on. The house boasts original panelling, floors, and fireplaces and a single grand staircase that links all floors of the house, which Franklin claims to have used for daily exercise.

 The de-facto American Embassy, Benjamin Franklin House magically blends history with 21st century convenience and makes an ideal location for events such as drinks receptions, dinners, conferences and wedding ceremonies.

 Spencer House
 
Spencer House is a magnificent private palace, built between 1756-1766 for John, first Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales. It is London’s finest surviving 18th-century town house, designed by John Vardy and James "Athenian" Stuart. The State Rooms were amongst the first neo-classical interiors in Europe and boasts a fine collection of paintings and furniture specially assembled for the House, including five major Benjamin West paintings graciously lent by Her Majesty The Queen.
 
This aristocratic house is a showcase of extravagant design from the bronze medallions in the Great Hall to the gilded trees in the Palm Room. From meetings, receptions and dinners to intimate weddings Spencer House makes a regal setting for any event
 
{10-11} Carlton House Terrace
 
Grand in scale, intricate in detail, {10-11} Carlton House Terrace is an iconic venue in the history of London. Built during the late 1820s and early 1830s, the neo-classical terrace was conceived by architect John Nash and has played host to members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers, members of parliament and influential figures of the day.
 
Renowned as the home of the British Academy, this venue was once regarded as one of the most fashionable addresses in London and has been described as one of the greatest terraced houses ever built in Britain. 
With its grand rooms, sweeping staircases and an eclectic art collection Carlton House is an exceptional canvas for any event; from wedding receptions and corporate conferences to banquets or summer parties.
 
Trinity House
 
Built in 1796, Trinity House is the headquarters of the Corporation of Trinity House, incorporated in 1514. Designed by Samuel Wyatt, this building is an imposing neo-classical building with an impressive history.
In its lifetime the house has welcomed royalty, prime ministers and Lords of the Admiralty and features a remarkable collection of maritime artefacts that are testament to the prominent role played by Trinity House in the nation’s maritime history.
 
With its elegant rooms full of history and character and a magnificent, Georgian, twin-curved, spiral staircase as the centre-piece, Trinity House makes an inspiring background for social and corporate event.