1 Finsbury Circus

Once again we decided to make use of London's "Open House" weekend, but something rather different from the sewage works we visited yessterday (and I didn't mention the gas works that we went on to afterwards!).

In the early 1980's I worked in Finsbury Circus in London, in a building that was then called "Lutyens House". It was a fine, Grade II listed building designed by Edward Lutyens with some lovely features, including a beautiful marble staircase. At that time, it was largely unchanged from its original 1925 opening, but was rather uncared for, and the superb entrance hall and staircase were not used to advantage. The building was sold in 1987 and totally refurbished for re-use by BP, its original owners. However, after a few years they moved out again, and yet another refurbishment was completed in 2009 (more details here).

Today we visited and toured the building. The facade, entrance hall, staircase and original conference room have all been restored back to their former glory (although the conference room has been moved in its entirety from the third floor to the basement!). Within the structure they have built a bright and airy 21st Century office block, with a naturally lit atrium and plenty of open space. But the original early 20th Century features make this building special. The entrance hall, shown here, is virtually as designed by Lutyens. The only changes are the ceiling light fittings, the addition of the reception desk, and the original revolving door, which has been replaced by a modern one - but within the original wooden housing (so that it looks unchanged). A very enjoyable visit.

Getting there was not so easy. We knew that the Northern Line on the underground was not running to Moorgate today, so we would have to catch a bus from Kings Cross, but it was only when we arrived at our local station that we discovered that trains into Kings Cross were not running either, and the bus replacement service would not get us into London in time for our booked tour. I therefore rushed home to collect the car and we drove into London. The journey wasn't bad until we reached Moorgate and then building work, traffic diversions and congestion delayed us considerably - but I eventually managed to find a parking space (exorbitantly expensive even on a Sunday). I now remember why I don't drive into London.

However, we did have a pleasant lunch out before returning home this afternoon.