The February RHS Plant & Design Show is on again at the Horticultural Halls in London next Tuesday and Wednesday (19th & 20th February 2013). If not only for the nurseries and plants on show, Lawrence Hall is worth a visit as it is a quite extraordinary exhibition space.
Lawrence Hall in Greycoat Street, Westminster is the newer of the two Royal Horticultural Halls, which is part of the Royal Horticultural Society charity in central London. The other is Lindley Hall in Elverton Street; both are close to the RHS’ headquarters in Vincent Square.
Lawrence Hall has vaulted ceilings and Art Deco interior features. It was awarded a gold medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects for its dramatic architecture. It was constructed between 1925 and 1928 and was designed by the partnership of Easton and Robertson. The tall parabolic arches which begin as square piers are credited to Easton, derived from the reinforced concrete work of Hennebique and Freyssinet. The hall was registered as a Grade II listed building in 1983. (Thank you wikipedia..)
This photograph was taken last February at the show – there are four shows annually at the venue – and are a delight. Specialist nurseries who have time to talk and the best seasonal plants on show and for sale.
The Teddington Gardener 