This weekend and next weekend, some of London's iconic and historic buildings, normally not open to the public, open their doors at no charge to looky-loos and curiosity seekers, as part of the annual Open House London Festival. This afternoon we visited Drapers Hall near Threadneedle Street followed by a guided tour of the Reform Club on Pall Mall. Both venues, full of gilded frames, sparkling chandeliers and old-world leather armchairs, are resplendent.
Drapers Hall was originally a trade organization of wool and cloth merchants. Today it operates as a charitable, ceremonial and educational institution.
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| Prints by William Hogarth |
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| Portrait of Henry VIII |
The Reform Club is a private "gentleman's club" near St. James Park packed full of history and associated with numerous renowned individuals. The author Henry James, for example, is thought to have written The Wings of the Dove, The Ambassadors and The Golden Bowl, at the club.
In Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days, Phileas Fogg, on a bet, begins his journey at the Reform Club and arrives back at the very last minute 80 days later, and collects his winnings (20,000 British pounds).
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| Charles Dickens |
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| The author Henry James |
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| Vintage automobiles behind the Reform Club |
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