Relief: RIBA - James Woodford
The pair of massive cast bronze doors carry deep reliefs representing the Thames and London's buildings including: Guildhall, Houses of Parliament, St Paul's and Horse Guards, as well as boats on the Thames, children, birds, etc.
At the bottom of the left door, there is a seated figure, in the act of drawing with some technical tools. He sits on a scroll-like cushion , on which is inscribed "James Woodford 1934". This figure is a self-portrait of the sculptor who made the doors. We've read that the children represent his three, but his grandson, Phil Woodford, kindly informed us that James had only one child.
Woodford also carved the man and woman stand on pylons at the front.
Site: RIBA - door and Wren (2 memorials)
W1, Portland Place, 66
This building, opened in 1934, was designed by G Grey Wornum for the Royal Institute of British Architects. Listed in 1970, it was one of the very first examples of modern architecture to be so recognised. The external carvings are well-covered at Ornamental Pleasures and again.
