Chartered Accountants' Hall, headquarters of ICAEW in the City of London, was built between 1890 and 1893. It features 19th century external friezes and sculpture by Hamo Thornycroft RA and Harry Bates ARA. These are further complemented by 20th century friezes added by H.A. Stevenson and David McFall RA.
Overview
19th century friezes
The sculptured frieze and the figure of Justice surmounting the oriel at the angle of the original building are by Hamo Thornycroft RA. The other 19th century sculptures are by Harry Bates ARA.
The friezes are allegories in human form. Thornycroft's contribution is a series of panels with figures representing concepts from the Arts and Sciences to the Colonies, as well as a frieze depicting figures from the professions and crafts connected with building. Thornycroft based the figure of the sculptor on himself and the architect on the building's main architect, John Belcher. The figure of the solicitor is H. Markby of Markby, Stewart & Co., who acted for ICAEW in its early years.
Harry Bates carried out the sculpture over the main entrance, which depicts the ICAEW coat of arms, surrounded by two graceful classical style figures who support a crown, representing the Royal Charter. A series of heavyweight Portland stone columns surround either side of the entrance, providing support for ornamental winged figures, also sculpted by Bates.
20th century friezes
H.A. Stevenson sculptured the frieze which continues on the 1930's extension. Stevenson's work depicts the history of architecture, starting with a caveman on the extreme right and including Wren with a model of St Paul's. The truncated figures at the feet of the Statue of Justice are 'the upper parts of figures representing accountants, one in the act of examining a candidate and the other auditing accounts'.
In 1968-69 the frieze was further extended with three panels by David McFall RA (as part of the William Whitfield extension that was opened in 1970). These new panels depict Egyptians and the foundation of accounting, seven Victorian style figures representing the founders of ICAEW, and four Renaissance figures - including Luca Pacioli, the first person to publish a work on double-entry bookkeeping. McFall was known for his emotionally powerful direct stone carving of figures.
This Frieze [...] represents those varied interests which look to the Chartered Accountants for financial guidance and order, is one of the chief features of the building and forms an integral part of the design."
Images
Image gallery
Further sources of information
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.
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One Moorgate Place
Information on how to hire One Moorgate Place, home of Chartered Accountants' Hall, for conferences, meetings, weddings, parties, private dining and special occasions.
