Sunday, January 18, 2015

Lloyd's of London


Ever since my very first trip to London, I've been fascinated by the very unique Lloyd's of London building and on every subsequent trip, I found a way to walk around it once more.  On that first visit, the building of steel tubes, columns and pipes seemed huge and imposing but, on this last trip I noticed that it has become almost hidden away in the jungle of much bigger glass and steel monoliths.





Lloyd's is located on Lime Street in the main financial district in the City of London, that ever changing part of London that keeps transforming itself with newer and more extraordinary buildings.

I learned that the Lloyd's building was completed in 1986 so it must have been brand new when I saw it the first time.



















The building was designed by architect Richard Rogers, the same architect who was involved in the design of the Pompidou Centre in Paris.  At the time it was built, it was considered innovative in having its services such as staircases, lifts, electrical power conduits, and water pipes on the outside of the building leaving the inside an uncluttered space.



















When I took my dad to London back in 2000, I made a point of walking past here to show him this crazy looking building.  He wasn't impressed.  In fact, he said "That's awful, lets move on."

I would love to see the inside someday but the building is not open to the public.  It is however, open once a year during the "Open House London" annual event.  The 2015 "Open House" will be September 19 and 20.  Maybe I should plan another trip!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great shots, I agree with your dad though!

Lowell said...

A great series of photos, Sharon. I've heard about Lloyd's for years but have never been to London and have never seen a picture of this building. It's quite impressive from just about any angle. Merci !

Thérèse said...

Splendid! I always admire tall buildings as well as bridges and always admire the way they are built. One can effectively see similarities with Beaubourg.
Thks for the beautiful views.

Judy said...

I guess I will have to agree with Dad. Not really a thing of beauty but it is quite unusual.

Lois said...

I missed seeing this when I was in London last summer. I will have to make a point of visiting it next time! I actually had an insurance policy with Lloyd's of London at one time on a house my sister and I owned near the beach. They were the only company that would agree to insure it since it was so old and so close to the ocean. We have since sold the house because the insurance was too expensive!

Catalyst said...

Yes, I'm with your dad (and Prince Charles). I think London should maintain it's older more staid architecture.

William Kendall said...

It certainly is still imposing.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

It's a unique building Sharon, I usually prefer old but I really don't mind this one.