Building the Bank: A Museum Late

Step into the story of the Bank’s iconic home at this special Museum Late celebrating the opening of Building the Bank at the Bank of England Museum. 🏛️

Discover the fascinating history of the Threadneedle Street site through rare objects, architectural drawings, and immersive displays. Plus, join us for a talk event with Discover the fascinating history of the Threadneedle Street site through rare objects, architectural drawings, and immersive displays. Plus, join us for a talk event with Herbert Baker expert John Stewart.

About the talk: Sir Herbert Baker : Architect of the Bank

This talk will explore the life and works of the Bank’s architect Sir Herbert Baker and place his commission to rebuild the Bank of England in that context.

Sir Herbert Baker was one of the leading British architects of the early twentieth century and was responsible for the design of many of the British Empire’s most significant buildings around the globe.

Following his architectural education in nineteenth century London, he established the most successful practice in South Africa, completing Cape Town Cathedral and the Union Buildings in Pretoria, before going on to design the principal buildings of New Delhi with Edwin Lutyens. He then established a highly successful London practice which, in addition to rebuilding the Bank, also completed India House, South Africa House and Church House in London.

He was one of the Principal Architects of what was then the Imperial War Graves Commission, designing several memorials and one hundred and ten military cemeteries in Flanders, as well as numerous memorials in Britain, including both Harrow School and Winchester College. He was knighted in 1926, received the Royal Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1927 and was elected as a Royal Academician in 1934.

About the speaker: John Stewart

John Stewart is an architect and Fellow of both the RIBA and RSA. Prior to his retirement from practice, he led one of the UK’s largest multi-disciplinary architectural teams who were responsible numerous public buildings throughout the UK and beyond. Since retiring, he has written and had published, six books on architectural history and has lectured and taught at several schools of architecture, including Oxford and Cambridge

Essential Information:

• Doors open: 5.15pm
• Last admission: 7.30pm
• Event ends: 8pm
• Booking is essential for the talk

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to uncover the architectural secrets of the Bank and the man who helped shape its monumental presence.

Plus, you'll get the exclusive opportunity to explore the museum’s galleries and the new Building the Bank exhibition in a relaxed, atmospheric setting.