The Royal Horticultural
Halls is hoping to attract exhibitions to its second exhibition space in the heart of Westminster .
The Lawrence Hall , built in 1928 , is leased to Westminster School in term time , but during the holidays can provide a second events space with a capacity of up to 1,500 standing .
Venue sales manager Diane Worcester said : “ To have a space like this in the area is so unique .”
The historic building is full of Art Deco features , including the original entrance turnstiles . The space has been adapted to include a 3-tonne goods lift , making the space ideal for classic car shows , Worcester says .
The venue is also directly opposite the Royal Horticultural Society ’ s 700 capacity Lindley Hall meaning the two sites can be used together for larger events .
King Edward VII suggested the Royal Horticultural Society should have a purpose-built exhibition space for its shows . The Lindley Hall was designed Edwin J Stubbs as a dedicated exhibition space and opened by Queen Victoria in 1904 , at the time a young princess .
Worcester says that both halls can be adapted for a variety of uses .
Fashion designer Richard Quinn paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with his London Fashion Week show on September 20 .
Quinn rescheduled and redesigned the entire show and his collection . Black drapes encased the
Historic halls
A stunning purpose built exhibition space in the heart of Westminster could be one of the city ’ s most unique venues
boxed runway , the set was reconfigured and flowers placed on black pedestals .
Four years ago the Queen herself sat front row at Quinn ’ s show having awarded the designer the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design .
Set producer James Quinn , Richard ’ s brother , said : “ The Queen meant a lot to Richard therefore , it was important for us to do something fitting to say thank you .”
“ It would have been a much easier decision to cancel , but that was never an option for us . We have worked with our suppliers and the venue for years and wholeheartedly value everything they do for us .
“ To have a space like this in the area is so unique .”
They are all part of our extended team , and we weren ’ t going to let them down , in fact they all relished the challenge and bent over backwards to make it a success .” EN
November — 35