Unique Venues of London announces two new members: One Birdcage Walk and No.4 Hamilton Place.
One Birdcage Walk
One Birdcage Walk is the home of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Based in the heart of Westminster, it was officially opened as the Institution’s headquarters in 1899. Overlooking St. James’s Park, it is regarded as one of the capital’s finest examples of late Victorian architecture.
Designed in the then-popular Queen Anne style by renowned architect Basil Slade, the building’s showpiece is The Marble Hall. This harks back to the grandeur and rarefication of a Venetian palazzo and is decorated with Sienna pilasters, and onyx panels with dark borders; and the tessellating floor is laid with Piastraccia marble and dark stone squares.
No.4 Hamilton Place
No.4 Hamilton Place is the headquarters of the Royal Aeronautical Society. A grade II listed building located in Mayfair, the venue is a fine example of Edwardian architecture. Originally designed as a fashionable London residence by A. N. Prentice, the rooms are decorated in the lush, opulent style of Louis XVI.
Upon the death of the original owner, the Society took up residence in 1939 and has been there ever since. One of the venue’s highlights is the ornate and elegant Argyll Room which possesses an expansive terrace, commanding expansive views over Hyde Park.
One Birdcage Walk
To gain membership, each venue was assessed through Unique Venues of London’s rigorous joining process, which includes a series of visits to prospective members before a final presentation and subsequent vote from existing members, followed by assessment of events documentation and financial declarations.
Christine Milburn-Philpott, Commercial Venue Manager, One Birdcage Walk says: “Joining Unique Venues of London, one of the foremost beacons of the London Events industry, is an honour and a privilege. The sharing of knowledge and expertise in this cooperative of venues is invaluable as we grow our events business and spread the word about what we have to offer.”
No.4 Hamilton Place
Emily Falconer, Head of Venue Marketing and Events, No.4 Hamilton Place adds: “The membership will give us invaluable opportunities to raise awareness of our venue and network with like-minded events professionals to look at the challenges facing the industry in years to come. We cannot wait to get started and contribute to this wonderful organisation.”
Lisa Hatswell, Managing Director of Unique Venues of London, concludes: “Both venues possess highly individual and original characters and we are delighted to welcome them as members. We look forward to their input and support over 2019 and beyond.”