Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: English renaissance masterpiece with 18th century neo-classical makeover; Airy and light but intimate and sumptuous too.

Funky Features:Grand cobbled courtyard with 55 jet fountains; temporary and permanent shows of art and objects; once a royal residence.

Location and History

A Thames-side landmark that overlooks the South Bank and the Strand, historic Somerset House architecture and exhibition programme make it an inspiring venue.  Somerset House was originally occupied by a medieval house rebuilt as a palace by ‘Protector Somerset’ Edward Seymour. After his fall and execution, the palace became a royal palace of James I who hosted many debauched parties here.  In 1775, William Chambers was commissioned to salvage the site from disrepair and completed the current building in 1801.

Interior

The renaissance parts of the interior have been restored to their full glory and newer spaces modernised with contemporary additions.  Grey tones on doors and within marble flooring complement ornate white cornicing around doorframes. Massive windows flood rooms with natural light.

Spaces for Hire

Somerset House offers a range of exhibitions that form the backdrop to an event and like the building itself, range in character from classical to contemporary. Conferences, receptions, product launches, fashion shows, dinners, concerts and teambuilding exercises are accommodated easily in these spaces.

The River Terrace: this is the newest and most contemporary space on offer.  A glass structure overlooking the Thames, it provides winter warmth, light and intimacy.

The Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery:  this gallery features mediaeval classics and impressionist masterpieces in its superb collection

The Gilbert Collection: this is one of the finest collections of decorative art in Europe and the gallery also stages exciting temporary shows.  The Hermitage Rooms: this is the lost sister wing to the eponymous museum in St Petersburg.  The association is reflected in the Russian feel of the décor: painted ceilings, ‘oil-lamp’ lights, parquet flooring and red walls add exotic glamour. The gallery shows bi-annual exhibitions. The Fountain Court: the courtyard has been repaved in granite to the original design and can accommodate a large or small marquee.  Take in a special tour of the ruins of the Tudor palace and dead house beneath the courtyard canopy.

The Portico Rooms:  these spaces feature neutral décor and wood flooring along with contemporary John Virtue works of London.  This is a collection of four rooms with the main space featuring two balconies, one overlooking the courtyard, the other the river. The Navy Board Rooms: this is where Nelson would have received his orders.  Refurbished in a classic-meets-modern style: Chambers’ design drawings on the walls, original fireplaces, heritage paints blend with varnished wood doors and modern lighting.  Features include the ornate stone Nelson stair and the potential to combine their use with the Seamen’s Hall, which offers generous space and spectacular views.