Auditorium (Oak Hall)

Chartered Accountants' Hall was designed in the 1880s by architect John Belcher, who used a Baroque Revival style inspired by Baroque architecture he had observed while travelling in Europe.

The Auditorium was originally known as the Examination Hall, where ICAEW students sat their exams. The first examinations were held here in December 1892, before the building was even officially opened.

Oak panelling was added later in 1930 as part of work to expand and redevelop the hall for the growing Institute's larger number of examination candidates. At this point it became known as the 'Oak Hall' for a time. A false wall was also added in 1930, which resulted in the curved vaulted ceiling being truncated.

A further drastic transformation was carried out in the 1960s, with the introduction of a mezzanine floor. The lower part of this division forms what is now the Council Chamber, with seating for 90 members arranged in amphitheatre style. The upper half is now used as office space and meeting rooms.

The ICAEW Library & Information Service holds a collection of books and articles on Chartered Accountants' Hall, covering the original building and the later extensions. See our Further reading page for details of these, as well as links to web pages on the sculptors and artists whose work decorates the building.

ICAEW members and students may be able to view these rooms when visiting Chartered Accountants' Hall in person (subject to availability). Everyone, including members of the public, can join our guided tours of the building as part of the annual Open House Festival.