Whispers of freethinking and debate echo around Conway Hall. This building stands as a testament to independent thought. It is a Grade II listed building in Red Lion Square. Welcome to Conway Hall.
Conway Hall is the headquarters of the Conway Hall Ethical Society. The society commissioned this building. It wanted a new home. The previous location was a chapel in South Place.
Frederick Mansford designed Conway Hall in the Art Deco style. Construction began in February 1928. The hall officially opened on September 23, 1929. The cost was about 28485 GBP.
The building is named after Moncure D. Conway. He led the Society from 1864 to 1885. He also led it again from 1892 to 1897. Conway was an American abolitionist.
Conway Hall has hosted many notable speakers. George Orwell participated in a demonstration here. It demanded freedom of the press in November 1945.
The architecture of Conway Hall is unique. It is built on an L-shaped piece of land. The main entrance is angled. A narrow arch rises to the first floor. Silver-grey brick contrasts with red brick details. The glazing bars form a criss-cross pattern, reflected in Conway Hall’s logo.
The main auditorium can hold over 300 people plus 180 in the gallery. The hall has excellent acoustics. Wooden panelling and acoustic plaster contribute to this. The ceiling was originally glazed. This made it light and airy.
Above the proscenium arch are the words “To Thine Own Self Be True”. These words were from the original South Place Chapel.
The Humanist Library and Archives is on the first floor. It is the UK’s foremost resource of its kind. It is dedicated to Humanist material.
Conway Hall has also been a film location. It has appeared in movies like “Mr. Holmes” and “Hereafter.”
The building’s frontage has a lot to say. It is a brick structure in muted grey and red. The canopy above the entrance forms a balcony. It has a broad arched French window. A Venetian window sits on the third story. Urns flank the top of the building.
Inside, the main hall is not directly opposite the entrance. The polished stone lobby features a single Tuscan pillar. The staircase is cantilevered from three sides of the stairwell.
The hall’s capacity is intimate. It is a space for reasoning. The stage faces a gallery. The gallery runs along three sides. It has original fixed leather seats.
Since 1887, the Sunday Concerts have been held here. They continue a tradition of challenging restrictions on secular entertainment.
Today, Conway Hall hosts lectures, classes, performances, and community events. It remains a center for free speech and humanist values.
So, as you leave Conway Hall reflect on the words above the stage. Let Conway Hall be a reminder of the importance of independent thought.