10
Trinity Square, London
Architect
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Edwin Cooper
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Date Built
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Opened 1922
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Location
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10 Trinity Square
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Description
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10 Trinity Square started life as the
headquarters of the Port of London
Authority. It was opened officially in
1922 by Prime Minister David Lloyd George.
In its original role it was a busy building
conducting the business of what in those days
was a thriving port almost on its
doorstep.
The building suffered extensive damage during
WWII. When the PLA moved out, it became
home to Willis Faber, the insurance broker,
until they moved to the Willis Building in the
City across from Lloyds of London. In
recent years the building was redeveloped into a
100 room Four Seasons Hotel, as well as 41
private residences and a private club.
In 1972 the building was given Listed status and
in 1977 that was amended to Grade II*. Its
listing notes describe it as a, "...
Large, detached, monumental building of
Portland stone. Nearly square plan with
entrance at canted south east corner. Plain
courtyard formerly filled by large rotunda
destroyed in World War II. 4 storeys plus
basement and slated mansard treated as stone
attic to end pavilions and at entrance. Deep
entablature with pairs of Corinthian columns
in antis to pavillons. 4-columned entrance
portico, also in antis, the entablature
topped by balustrade in front of attic.
Above rises broad tower embellished with
order of Corinthian pilasters and piers,
arched niche and colossal figure sculpture.
Stepped upper part. Entrance hall, corridors
etc of some distinction. Suite of richly
panelled rooms on 2nd floor, notably dining
room, chairman's room and board room, east 2
with exceptional carved decoration."
The "http://ornamentalpassions.blogspot.co.uk"
has a page dedicated to the sculptures on 10
Trinity Square. It says that the
architect, "... had commissioned his
favourite sculptor, Albert Hodge, to
create massive symbolic figures for the
PLA building. He had created
sketch models of three groups
including this monumental figure of
Father Thames when he suddenly died in
1917, at the age of just 42. ....
.... His assistant Charles Doman
executed Hodge's designs and added two
of his own. Father Thames (seen
above) has a truly
memorable flowing beard and is
something of a body-builder. He
stands on an anchor and holds
a trident, his free hand pointing
downriver towards the sea."
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