The Conservatory and West Court

Exotically decorated, the conservatory was one of the most admired and loved rooms of the Hall.

What you can see is all that was left after the demolition of the hall, but it was filled with vibrant exotic plants growing up trellises on the walls and ceiling, palm trees and ferns. It even had a sculpture of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, in the centre with a trickling water feature.

This is one of the first rooms that visiting guests from across the world would see, so it had to create a grand impression!

The external design of the conservatory and west court was created by Charles Barry – the same architect that was famously involved in the design of the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament).