Freemason's Hall

Today I stood in for another committee member who had organised a tour of the Freemason's Hall in Covent Garden. (she got her new puppy on the weekend and could not leave it - and as I am so broody about puppies at the moment I quite understood and was happy to do this for her)

The building is in the art deco style and was built in 1933. From the outside it looks quite imposing and unwelcoming with no windows facing the street, but the interior of the building is quite beautiful and a fine example of the art deco style, which is why it is a popular choice for film makers as a movie set. Today we could not access part of the tour area as Warner Brothers were busy filming a new movie.

I don't know much about Freemasons and after this tour I cannot say I know much more. They are essentially a charity who try to do good and their members try to become better people. The tour guide kept reassuring us that they are not a secret society but when we asked about the initiation ceremony of new members he was not at liberty to say, other than they are blind folded....We asked whether women were allowed to be members and the answer was a reassuring yes...except they are limited to their own female only lodge and are not allowed to attend ceremonies at this one!

I have also attached an extra of the impressive Grand Temple with the gold leaf throne. The organ is one of two of a kind in the world and was recently restored at a cost of £1 million. The ceiling cove is of mosaic work and has many figures and symbols from Masonic rituals including the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice in the four corners. There is another extra of the library.

After the tour I did plan to go on to the National Portrait Gallery as there was a private viewing for members of the new Martin Parr Exhibition which opens tomorrow, but I wanted to get home early and so will leave that for next week.