VOCAT OMNIBUS UNDIS. QUAE REGIO IN TERRIS NOSTRIS IGNOTA CARINIS?
NO PORT IN THE WORLD OUTSHINES THE FRIENDLY THAMES. ITS RULE IS BOUNDED BY THE OCEAN, ITS FAME BY THE WORLD. THE SEA GODDESS INVITES US MERCHANTS WITH EVERY BILLOW: WHAT PART OF THE GLOBE IS UNKNOWN TO OUR KEELS?
TRINITY PAST PRESENT FUTURE
This is the story of Ten Trinity Square, the remaking of an icon and a historic building’s extraordinary revival.
As the former headquarters of the Port of London Authority (PLA) and one of the City’s most iconic landmarks, in 2022 Ten Trinity Square has stood as a symbol of London’s position at the heart of global trade for a century.
It was with a profound respect for the past and a far-reaching vision of the future that inspired Reignwood Group to not only renovate Ten Trinity Square but to restore it in a manner befitting such an iconic building.
At the core of our ambition was a deep interest in East-West trade and co-operation, and a belief that a mutual respect for excellence, in all its many forms, unites cultures. We believe that Ten Trinity Square itself, constructed without compromise in 1922, and restored once again in 2017, encapsulates those values.
The passion and care lavished on the restoration and refurbishment of Ten Trinity Square was both a unique undertaking and a formidable task and one that required a world-class team of multinational specialists with a shared wisdom. Every aspect and minute detail were carried out to the highest specification ensuring that we matched the grandeur of the original building whilst bringing together the harmony of the past and present.
As 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Ten Trinity Square, we celebrate the sites’ unique history, honour its purpose over the last century and rejoice in its rebirth. This is the legacy of Ten Trinity Square, a story of foresight, perseverance and sheer determination by Reignwood Group, our friends, and partners.
History of Ten Trinity Square
London
PORT OF LONDON AUTHORITY BUILDING
View showing the Rotunda room which collapsed upon the ground floor after being struck by a High Explosive Bomb, 9-40 p.m. 8th December 1940.
A Phoenix from the Ashes
Built in 1922 with its great tower and a grand Portland stone rotunda, the existing structure of Ten Trinity Square has been comprehensively and painstakingly restored and reimagined.
Given the building is Grade II* listed and located next to the Tower of London World Heritage Site, tremendous care has been taken to preserve the detail and integrity of the original building. The new concept, its moods, references and functions are an expression of great significance in the modern world. Today, the building comprises of a distinctive collection of spaces arranged harmoniously to create London’s finest places to stay and to meet. This includes the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, the Four Seasons Residences London at Ten Trinity Square and the Ten Trinity Square Private Club.
The Rotunda, rebuilt after a bomb blast in World War II destroyed it, has once again been reimagined for a new age and sits at the very heart of Ten Trinity Square.
The Rotunda demonstrates the seamless meeting of Eastern and Western culture.
An exquisite room that never sleeps, brimming with entertainment and tentatively poised to welcome travellers from around the world, night or day. The walls envelope their guests with the elements of Wind, Sky, Water, Lake, Earth, Fire, Mountain and Thunder – the values attributed to these elements are designed to restore balance in one’s life.
A History that Flows through Time
The revival of Ten Trinity Square was born from a celebration of innovation and design that has changed with the times. To own a building like Ten Trinity Square makes Reignwood Group the custodian of not only a building of international trade significance – but also the history within its walls and the cultural significance. The discovery of archaeological relics dating back to the 1st century AD afforded Reignwood Group an opportunity to study the building and how it worked in the past, to better understand how it will perform into the future.
Ten Trinity Square is located next to the Tower of London UNESCO World Heritage Site. The great institutions of the City, such as Lloyd’s of London and the Royal Exchange, are close at hand. In fact, the Bank of England, Guildhall, major retail and merchant banks and the Stock Exchange are all within the famous ‘Square Mile’ and its enthralling mix of old and new.
The building looks south over the Tower of London to Tower Bridge and the River Thames, classic symbols of the capital. Just down the river, lies
St Katharine Docks marina with berths for yachts and cruisers. While further eastwards is Canary Wharf with City Airport and the new Royal Albert Dock business hub beyond.
Across Tower Bridge is the London Assembly building, home of the Mayor of London. While upriver are London Bridge, the Shard, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, with the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall facing Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.
A Shared History
Whilst Ten Trinity Square has been refurbished to 21st century standards of excellence and luxury, its soul lies in the site’s 2000-year history and the stories of the traders, goldsmiths, princes and merchants who lived and worked close by.
The Romans first came to this site to trade fine pottery, wine and glass. Traces of their presence have been found all around Ten Trinity Square, from temples and forums to mosaics, helmets and amulets of amber. When the Romans left, the Saxons then came to London from across the ancient trading routes of northern Europe. The Norman King, William the Conqueror built the first edifice of the famous Tower of London after he invaded England in 1066 –within an arrow shot of what is now Ten Trinity Square.
Later the area became the province of the medieval merchants of London who set up their ‘guilds’ to look after the interests of tradesmen and their families. It was then that goldsmiths from northern Italy founded the City’s first banks. By the beginning of the 19th century London’s docklands had grown into a magnificent source of wealth and power. Tea and pottery poured in from China and India, silks from Arabia and coffee and spices from the East Indies.
The Port of London Authority was created in 1908 to bring order to the haphazard trade being run by a myriad of companies, with hundreds of ships thronging the river and docks. The Authority soon sought to create a monumental headquarters for itself, which would also reflect London’s dominance of global trade. Ten Trinity Square was opened by David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister, in 1922 and took its place as one of London’s finest and most cherished buildings.
During its time as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority, it was adopted for numerous important occasions, including in 1946 a reception to mark the inaugural meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
PLA DESIGN COMPETITION
The Greatest Minds The Greatest Times
The design of Ten Trinity Square was the result of a nationwide competition launched in 1911 by the PLA board. The announcement gained extensive coverage in all the specialist publications such as The Builder. Consequently, the competition received more interest and attention among architects than any other competition of its time, generating 170 entries.
While the style of the building was left to the discretion of competitors, the brief stipulated several requirements for the candidates to take into consideration. One of these was the importance of the juxtaposition to its 18th-century neighbour, Trinity House. Another was to design a building with an aspect visible from the river, with which the PLA was so closely associated.
Candidates were also asked to design a main entrance that led onto Trinity Square and to create a hall or rotunda on the ground floor where more than 1,200 people a day could come to pay their port rates. It was by no means an easy competition to win.
“The opportunity given to design a building for purposes so closely connected with the commerce of the greatest city in the Empire, the unique position of the site next to Trinity House and the Tower of London, and the very difficulties of the subject have attracted an unusually wide response from the architectural profession.”
The Builder
THE ORIGINAL DESIGN & BUILD
A Generational Investment
An eventual winner was found in 1912 in the ambitious plans of architect, Sir Edwin Cooper. Construction work began in 1915 but was delayed by the First World War. The build was completed in 1922 with the final cost at an astronomical sum of almost £1 million, a figure reflected in the choice of the finest materials and craftsmanship.
His vision was for a headquarters that reflected London’s important trade ties, expressed as part of the classical traditions of European architecture. Cooper adopted the neoclassical architectural style of the Parisian Beaux-Arts, designing soaring Corinthian columns, a classical portico and a glass-covered central rotunda that mirrored the dome of nearby St Paul’s Cathedral.
In the building’s great tower, a monumental sculpture of Father Thames stands astride an anchor, pointing an extended arm towards the east. Other statues represent exportation, agriculture, husbandry and produce, as the architect paid homage to the thriving trade between nations. For his creation, Cooper used the finest materials, including Italian Subiaco marble, walnut for carving and fine ornamental plasterwork. No expense was spared.
A Global Vision
On the east elevation of the building, to one side of the portico, is a Mannerist stone sculpture representing navigation. It features a woman accompanied by a ship’s wheel and charts, standing astride a globe.
On the corner of Muscovy Street and Trinity Square, to the other side of the portico, stands a stone sculpture representing commerce. It features a male figure accompanied by scales, ledgers and a basket of crops.
On the west niche of the central tower is a figure signifying exportation, with a galleon drawn by sea horses and steered by ‘Prowess,’ a male winged figure.
On the east niche of the tower is a figure representing produce, with an ox drawing a chariot. A winged female figure representing ‘The Triumph of Agriculture,’ stands on the chariot with a flaming torch in her hand. In front of these, a figure signifying husbandry leads the oxen equipped with agricultural implements.
The Remaking of an Icon
Ten Trinity Square is listed by the British Government as being a ‘particularly important building of more than special interest’. This means that it cannot be demolished, extended or altered without special consent from the local authority.
Throughout the refurbishment process, architects Aukett Swanke and a team of restoration experts worked closely with the authorities and English Heritage to reinforce the building’s iconic influence.
When Ten Trinity Square was purchased by Reignwood Group, they were presented with a building that, whilst retaining a vast array of original features, had also been the subject of substantial bomb damage during World War II. Rather than create reproduction interiors, they chose to restore and preserve the vast array of original features that had survived, while working within the original architectural conception to reinstate the features that had been lost with stunning contemporary elements.
A team of stone restoration experts spent years restoring the exterior stonework and carvings to reveal the beauty of the exterior facades, while specialist restorers brought back to life thousands of square metres of original plasterwork, wood carvings and marble floors. However, rather than reproduce the original glazed rotunda at the heart of the building, which was lost as a result of bomb damage in World War II, they reinstated an elegant contemporary glass copper-trimmed structure true to the original notion by using cutting-edge techniques.
This multinational workforce managed to implement Reignwood Group’s vision to match the materials with the closest possible, both in age and quality, requiring a global search for rare Italian Subiaco marble, matured walnut for carving and fine ornamental Parisian plasterwork. In the end, the team ended up installing 18,000m2 of marble, 26,500m2 of flooring and 108,500m2 of wall finishes.
In this way, the restored features of the building have been clearly delineated from the contemporary elements that have been introduced. The objective being to respect the heritage of the building while at the same time creating dramatic and sumptuous spaces that function in the 21st century.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Stay the Course
No amount of planning or preparation by the most experienced of professionals could anticipate the formidable task ahead. Throughout the restoration, challenges arose from the very start with classification as a Grade II* listed building, planning consent was required at every turn and for every minor and major change. Reaching far beyond simply cleaning the exterior and rebuilding the interior with modern materials, the listing meant that the building could be converted back into its original form at any point in the future.
The quest to maintain originality and style was further hampered by present day regulations and codes. For example, the hundreds of original hallway doors had to be dismantled and then reassembled with stronger fire-resistant glass.
On a larger scale, elevators had to be installed with zero or minimal impact on the building, a near impossible feat considering elevators traverse through the entire height of a building. To achieve this, Reignwood Group commissioned unique, freestanding glass lifts, powered by the fastest pistons in the whole of Europe.
Even this would seem relatively simple compared to the enormous listing and compliance issues. For example, finding a way to fit 26,000 sensors, 75,000m of piping and 1,320,000m of cable throughout the building without removing existing walls, ceilings and panelling. Another hurdle was the installation of the most advanced eco-friendly self-generating heating and electrical system throughout a building once lit by gas alone.
By far, the biggest undertaking was the necessary underpinning of the entire structure. To increase the internal footprint by 40%, the architects and engineers devised a way of creating six new levels, four replacing the uppermost existing floors and two subterranean levels. To achieve this, the construction team had to literally ‘float’ the existing building while replacing the foundations to match the increased load from the new levels.
Testing of the stress on the existing structure on a daily basis and matching with equivalent support, made this the most people-intensive renovation of a building in London within the last decade, with 3.5 million man-hours going into working on the restoration.
“Great Works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.”
Dr. Samuel Johnson
1st – 4th century Baltic amber was used to make this Roman amulet; it was probably carved in Italy or the Rhineland.
AMBER AMULET
No Stone Left Unturned
Another obstacle facing Reignwood was the remarkable archaeological finds dating back to 1st century AD. This resulted in delaying works for almost a year as a team of 30 archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology spent 29 weeks unearthing the history of this prestigious site. Some of the remarkable artefacts discovered are on display in the building’s rotunda.
2.
1st – 3rd century This Roman lamp was probably fuelled with olive oil. When complete it had a pair of nozzles for two flames.
3rd century The Greek letter Delta inscribed on the surface of this Roman beaker may have identified its contents.
14th century Decorative tile floors were a feature of some of medieval London’s most important buildings.
c. 8,500 – 4,000 BC This prehistoric tool was buried on this site during Roman times, thousands of years after it was made.
10th – 11th century This coin of the Saxon King Aethelred II was minted in London between the years 997 and 1003.
2nd – 3rd century This jar was buried as an offering at the threshold of a Roman building which stood on this site.
1. OIL LAMP
INSCRIBED BEAKER
3. FLOOR TILE
4. FLINT ADZE
5. SILVER PENNY
6. ROMAN JAR
CITY HERITAGE AWARD
A Deserved Recognition
On July 19, 2019, Ten Trinity Square was announced as the winner of the prestigious annual City Heritage Award.
Nominated by the City Heritage Society and the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers, the accolade is given to the best conservation or refurbishment project in the City of London. The plaque was unveiled by The Lord Mayor of the City of London at an intimate ceremony in the Hotel’s UN Ballroom.
Reignwood Group are exceptionally proud of this award as it reflects all the years of hard work and dedication that went into renovating this iconic building. The plaque takes pride of place on the front of the building as a reminder of all that has been achieved, and acts as a motivator for all that is to come.
The Numbers Tell a Story
108.5 Km²
76,000 Metres 40
3.5 Million
6
10,800
The Grand Ambition
Ten Trinity Square was a building that served the world. To honour its past and take on this renovation into the future, Reignwood Group wanted this iconic building to stand as a pinnacle of hospitality, service and unrivalled cuisine. Our grand ambition is reflected through our close attention to detail, dedicated partnerships and maintaining the highest degree of standards.
The Art of Hospitality
The involvement of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts brings another wholly unique dimension to Ten Trinity Square. The decision to collaborate with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts stems from a shared commitment to raise levels of international awareness, sophistication and an unparalleled service philosophy. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are leaders in the field of luxury hospitality, and they bring with them their exceptional level of service to both the hotel and the residences.
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square offers an extraordinarily distinctive experience with one hundred guest rooms of elegance and refinement, two superb ballrooms, and three signature restaurants including Mei Ume and the 2 Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic. It also features a vibrant bar, meeting rooms, exquisite penthouses dedicated for events and a stunning spa.
The Four Seasons residential service has been built into the infrastructure of the building. It allows for a seamless, immediate and personal service from a dedicated team of Four Seasons trained staff, who are on site 24-hours a day, seven days a week. No request is too big or small for our friendly and attentive staff.
“I’ve identified the four key strategic decisions that formed the rock-solid foundation of Four Seasons. These are now known as the four pillars of our business model. They are quality, service, culture, and brand.”
Isadore Sharp, Founder and Chairman
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
The Liberty Bounds Story
Beyond the majestic Corinthian columns of the grand portico entrance, lies the soaring ceiling heights and exquisite polished Italian Subiaco marble of the lobby. Set into the floor of the lobby is a brass marker, which is one of twenty-two boundary markers for an area called the ‘Tower Liberties’.
The boundary markers indicate the outer limits of the tower, which was an administrative and defensive area set up around the Tower of London in the 16th century that separated it from the City of London. They were placed in an arc around the Tower, the distance of an arrow’s flight from its walls – meaning that unwanted intruders could be targeted.
The Liberties had its own administration which included its own courthouse and police force. The people living within the Liberties had certain privileges, which included being able to claim any beast that fell from London Bridge and strangle any swans underneath it.
While the Tower Liberties has now been dissolved, the tradition of checking the boundaries continues. Every three years on Ascension Day, the Yeoman Warders – commonly known as Beefeaters – from the Tower of London lead a procession round each of the twenty-two markers, which are beaten with sticks. This is called the ‘Beating of the Bounds’ and was traditionally a way to remind the inhabitants of the Liberties where the boundary lay.
The grand lobby laid bare before refurbishment began
An Enhanced Vision
The interior design of the hotel was conceived by world-renowned Parisian designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille of Moinard-Betaille. Their distinctive style translated beautifully into the grandeur of Ten Trinity Square and their standards of craftmanship matched the passion that was being taken in the restoration. One of their many strengths resides in the subtle, elegant, refined yet warm integration of French culture into each of their creations.
“The dream was to breathe life back into the building. It was a great symphony, an opera we brought to life.”
Bruno Moinard of Moinard-Betaille
The Heart of Ten Trinity Square
Today, the design of the rotunda is a crossroads between the past and present, appearing in perfect harmony with the original architecture of the grand lobby. Sitting at the heart of the building, set beneath a spectacular art-deco style domed ceiling, Ten Trinity Square’s original rotunda — destroyed during World War II — was acclaimed as a masterpiece of Edwardian design and was based upon the grand dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The rotunda’s ultra-stylish bar has copper and brass touches reminiscent of the building’s maritime history. The columns supporting the dome resemble the mooring lines of the great cargo ships of yesteryear – signifying centuries of international trade. They also form the heart of Ten Trinity Square and its heritage.
We can see an East-meets-West symbolism, with a feng-shui ‘bagua’ theme depicted on the ornate plasterwork frieze along the walls of the rotunda. Each of the eight panels were painstakingly crafted in Paris then reassembled and hand finished on site. The symbolic landscapes and elements illustrated are Wind, Sky, Water, Lake, Earth, Fire, Mountain and Thunder.
The original design of the rotunda featured a much larger circular hall, which formed the main public space of the PLA headquarters. It was here in the 1920s and 1930s, that officials from trading and shipping companies using the London docks came to pay their port fees. Rows of circular desks allowed over a thousand transactions to take place every day.
Reach for the Stars
Since its opening, the hotel has earned a variety of impressive accolades including earning the title of AA Hotel of the Year London 2018-19. It also earned a Forbes five-star rating in the Travel Guide’s 2021 Star Awards. In addition to this honour, the Spa at the hotel has been awarded a prestigious Four Stars by Forbes.
Ten Trinity Square was also awarded the prestigious annual City Heritage Award in 2019. The accolade is given to the best conservation or refurbishment project in the City of London. The building also features two award-winning restaurants: Mei Ume and La Dame de Pic. The former won the 2018 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards for ‘Best Overall UK Restaurant’, while the latter was awarded two Michelin stars – its first in 2018 and the second in 2020.
“The opening of Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square in 2017 marked the culmination of a sevenyear project, in partnership with Reignwood, reimagining the former Port of London Authority. Today, the hotel is iconic, both within the Four Seasons portfolio and the City of London, offering our guests worldclass dining and spa experiences while celebrating the landmark’s rich history and heritage.”
Christian Clerc, President
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
“The combination of such a high quality building, interiors, spa, club, bars and restaurants coupled with the intuitive, friendly and thoughtful service of the Four Seasons team has proven to be a winning combination … and the next 100 years will no doubt be a golden era for Ten Trinity Square.”
Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Europe, Middle East and Africa
Stay with Style
Moinard-Betaille’s distinctive style translates beautifully into the design of the 100 hotel rooms and suites, which provide subtle tributes to the XVIII century maritime explorations and scientific curiosity.
FIRST DELUXE ROOMS
The Deluxe Rooms are wrapped in honey-oak panelling, offering refreshing accommodation on the first to third floors.
SECOND SUPERIOR ROOMS
The Superior Rooms offer a soothing retreat on the first, second and third floors. The rooms boast a king-sized Four Seasons bed, surrounded by wooden panelling and calming blue-grey hues.
THIRD EXECUTIVE ROOMS
The Executive Rooms have contemporary dark-oak features and a separate living space.
FOURTH 1 BED DELUXE SUITES
The Deluxe Suites are light and airy with a separate living area.
OPPOSITE GRAND HERITAGE SUITES
The contemporary elegance of the Heritage Suites is given the classic touch with impressive five-metre-high ceilings, ornate covings and grand four-poster beds.
The Meeting of Minds
I I I
The UN Ballroom at Ten Trinity Square is a place of gravitas. One hundred years ago, it was a room of such grandeur that dignitaries from all around the world could leave ego and agenda at the door and come together to find solutions. Today, Ten Trinity Square provides several areas that have a calming influence and are conducive to decision-making and creating momentum. They are places where friendships form, consensus is found and partnerships flourish.
Dignity in Design
The stately and awe-inspiring boardroom of the PLA is now the UN Ballroom, aptly named in memory of the reception that was held here on 30 January 1946, marking the first ever General Assembly of the United Nations. Attended by Heads of State, Government and other senior national representatives, it was a further testament to the importance of both the building and its owners at the time. An oil painting of the reception commemorating the occasion is displayed at the entrance of the ballroom.
The walnut walls are adorned with elaborate carvings each one paying homage to the origins of the building. On one side, the carvings detail symbolic aspects of maritime activity: Navigation, Commerce, Transport, Triumph, Sea Products and the Roman seaGod Neptune. On the opposite side, the carvings represent the major countries and regions of historic international trade and exploration: the Arctic, Africa, the Tropics, Australia, Canada and India.
At either end of the room, above the doorways, are carved medallion portraits of two men with strong ties to site of Ten Trinity Square and whose names have long been woven into English history. At one end of the ballroom sits the portrait of Geoffrey Chaucer, whose most famous work is the Canterbury Tales. He lived over 600 years ago and is considered to be the father of English literature.
Chaucer was also the controller of the customs for the Port of London between 1374 and 1386 – meaning he oversaw collecting the fees levied on imported goods. As such, he was a direct forebear of the Chairman of the PLA, who would chair meetings in this room, under Chaucer’s watchful eye.
Opposite sits the portrait of Samuel Pepys – the most significant diarist in English history. His daily jottings – represented in this carving by the quill and books – have revealed to us in detail the daily life and many of the great events of the 1660s.
Pepys also worked for the King as Secretary to the Navy Board, in charge of the building of naval warships, supplying them with weapons and stores and paying their sailors. You can see oars and weapons in the carving in reference to this. Pepys’ office – and his house – was in a building complex that stood exactly on this site in the 1660s and 1670s.
A. The Rt. Hon. Peter Fraser, P.C., C.H (Prime Minister of New Zealand)
B. Miss Fraser
C. Lady Anderson
D. W.J. Clarke Esq. Member of the Court of the Watermen’s Company, Member of the Port of London Authority
E. H.R.H The Amir Faisal IBN ‘ABDUL’ AZIZ, C.B.E., (Saudi Arabia)
F. The Hon. Harold Nicholson, C.M.G., M.P.
G. Lady Clark, (Wife of Sir Kenneth Clark)
H. The Rt. Hon. Lord Catto, (Governor of the Bank of England)
I. A Young Waterman
K. Sir John Anderson, G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., F.R.S., M.P. (Chancellor of the Exchequer 1943–45, Chairman of the Port of London Authority)
L. Field Marshall The Rt. Hon. The Viscount Alan Brook, G.C.B., D.S.O.
M. Madame Massigli, (Wife of the French Ambassador to Great Britain)
N. Madame Bidault, (Wife of the French Foreign Minister)
O. Mr. Harold C. Green
P. J.T. Scoulding Esq. J.P. (Member of the Court & Past Master of the Watermen’s Company, Member of the Port of London Authority)
R. Sir. J. Douglas Ritchie, M.C. (Vice-Chairman of the Port of London Authority)
S. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt
T. The Rt. Hon. Lord Leathers, P.C., C.H. (Minister of War Transport 1941-5, Member of the Court of the Watermen’s Company)
U. Miss Mary Churchill
Reception by the Port of London Authority in honour of the first General Assembly of the United Nations - 30th January 1946
MERCHANTS HALL
Move in Elevated Circles
Adjacent to the UN Ballroom lies the stunning circular Merchants Hall, another example of where East and West design influences combine. It’s a new addition to the building, sitting directly above the rotunda and beneath the hidden courtyard garden.
The mirrors around the walls are surrounded by reproductions of characters and scenes from one of China’s most famous scroll paintings, the Night Revels of Han Xizai. The artist, Gu Hongzhong, was Court Painter to the Southern Tang Emperor, Li Yu. The Emperor sent Gu Hongzhong to spy on Han Xizai, one of his ministers, and the painting appears to be a faithful record of the wayward minister’s nightly banquets.
Manchu-Han Imperial Feast
Arecreation of the Manchu-Han Imperial Feast, one of the grandest meals ever documented in Chinese cuisine, took place in the Merchants Hall to celebrate Chinese New Year in 2018. It consisted of at least 108 unique dishes from the Manchu and Han cultures during the Qing dynasty (AC 1644 to 1912). The original meal was served in the Forbidden City in Beijing and comprised of six banquets over three days with over 300 dishes. The 108 gemstones in the centre of the banquet table represent the 108 famed dishes and are an embodiment of it’s legacy.
Keeping Good Company
With its historical links to the East India Company and, more recently, as the headquarters of the PLA, Ten Trinity Square was at the heart of global trade and was once the gateway for the tea routes to enter London.
Located on the first floor, the business suites provide elegant, versatile spaces for meetings. The central suite overlooks the main lobby with a view of the gallery and beyond to the Tower of London. The business suites also give a nod to historic tea clippers, with meeting rooms named after famous tea clippers from the 19th century: Ariel, Serica and Challenger.
The Great Tea Race
In the middle third of the 19th century, the clippers who carried cargoes of tea from China to Britain would compete in informal races to be first ship to dock in London with the new crop of each season. The Great Tea Race of 1866 saw five ships race between China and London with a full cargo of tea.
After a passage of more than 14,000 nautical miles and 99 days of sailing, Taeping was the first of the clippers to moor in the Old London docks arriving at 9:45pm on 5th September, a close 38 minutes before runner-up Ariel. The 19th century Tea Races helped establish a legacy of the trade between the East and West, with Ten Trinity Square, once home to the PLA, deeply rooted in this story.
The Ultimate Rejuvenation
The quiet cocooning of the spa, carved into the remnants of the excavation is a place of joy, health and happiness. The calming serenity of water evokes sensations of the sanctity and safety providing a quiet, meditative state that creates an environment of mental stimulation and healing of mind and body.
Take Time for Yourself
Ahaven of calm and relaxation in the heart of the City, the Spa boasts opulent décor and provides comprehensive health and wellness services and treatments including swimming and vitality pools, a gym, fitness studio and nail salon. It also has several treatment rooms, sauna, steam rooms, relaxation rooms and a luxurious Hamman.
The design of the Spa was conceived by Paris-based architect Joseph Caspari in collaboration with Mio Shibuya. Their inspiration was taken from Roman baths of a bygone era. Tones of bronze and gold provide a warm welcome in the Spa reception area with its impressive, curved wall and golden mosaic detailing. In the Hamman, stunning glass mosaic-vaulted walls evoke Roman Baths accentuated with Carrera marble to create a luxurious space to relax and unwind.
“The
golden half-moon entrance is a transitional space between the material world and once you cross it you find yourself in sensorial space.”
Joseph Caspari of Joseph Caspari Architecture & Design
The shimmering glass mosaic-tiled pool is surrounded by grey marble floors and walls. Silver mosaic-clad columns reminiscent of the building’s portico separate the main pool from the vitality pool and display mosaic motives of seaweed and coral emerging from the water. Backlit glass walls lead the way through to the steam room, while classical Murano glass chandeliers add a playful ambience in the salon.
A Sustainable Future
Ten Trinity Square is one of the first heritage buildings to be energy conscious. Waste heat from the kitchens goes into heating the Spa swimming pools, helping to recycle a huge 98% of their waste. As a result, our guests can relax knowing their rejuvenation does not come at the cost of the planet’s natural resources.
An Urban Oasis
Abeautifully manicured garden has always been a demonstration of the delicate relationship between Earth and the elements; natural green areas where life can flourish. The gardens at Ten Trinity Square are places where guests can take a moment to themselves – soaking up all the beautiful colours and heavenly scents. Reignwood Group believes in reciprocal energy and that what you put in is what you get out. A meticulous programme is in place that tends to the gardens ensuring they offer tranquillity all year round.
ROTUNDA COURTYARD GARDEN
A Play on Words
The tranquil rotunda courtyard garden was designed by leading architectural landscaper, Randle Siddeley. It lies hidden within the inside of the building on top of the new rotunda with its landscaping taking inspiration from the circular desk pattern featured in the rotunda’s original design.
In the centre of the garden is a beautiful Peony Tree sculpture created by the Qinghua University Art School. If you look closely, you will find references of Tang Xianzu, a renowned Chinese playwright of the Ming Dynasty, and William Shakespeare engraved on the stem and leaves. These playwrights were chosen as a celebration of East meets West as Tang Xianzu is considered the Shakespeare of the orient. The tree also takes influence from Tang’s masterpiece Peony Pavilion.
Take in the Seasons
Three hundred and fifty years ago, this garden area was once part of a complex of buildings – stretching across the adjacent site of the hotel – which housed offices and accommodation for the officials of the Navy Board. The Board was responsible for equipping the English Navy with ships, supplies and weapons, as well as paying its sailors – its most famous employee being Samuel Pepys. Pepys worked in an office on this site and lived in an adjacent house that came with the job. It was here that he wrote his famous diary between 1660 and 1669.
Many of the courts and alleys in this area were swept away between 1910 and 1912 to make room for the new headquarters of the PLA. Following the end of World War II, a former Chairman of the PLA proposed the planting of a garden and landscape architect Brenda Colvin (1897-1981) was appointed. In 1972, the garden was presented to the Corporation of London on a 999-year lease, ensuring that it would be preserved as an open space in perpetuity.
The sites’ rich history greatly influenced the redesign of Seething Lane Garden. The new garden was designed by renowned landscape architects Capita Lovejoy and features a pergola-covered area for the annual Knollys Rose Ceremony along with planted roses. It’s a place where residents and guests can unwind and explore a garden steeped in history.
Along with a celebration of the past, it was important for the new garden design to respect the present and respond to the changing use of the area. As well as retaining the qualities of the previous garden and provide a green oasis, it also needed to achieve a balance between the needs of people and the environment.
The garden offers a range of seating areas and a lawn for summer lounging. An important wilderness area focuses on biodiversity with bird boxes and feeders installed in the trees and green walls. Rainwater is also attenuated and harvested from the roof of the main building, which feeds the irrigation system. Not only is this good for the environment but it also results in better plant growth, so our gardens can flourish all year round.
A Tribute to Samuel Pepys
The centre piece of the garden is the reinstated bust of Samuel Pepys created by late British sculptor Karin Jonzen, which now sits proudly on a new stone plinth. The plinth design has music carved on it and is the tune of ‘Beauty Retire’, a song that Pepys wrote. Also dedicated to Samuel Pepys are 30 stunning sculptural paving stones designed by artist Alan Lamb depicting key events from his diaries.
One of the stone carvings features a stone held in a pair of forceps. Pepys had been plagued by recurring kidney stones since childhood and, at the age of 25, he underwent surgery under Surgeon Thomas Hollier, a leading lithotomist of the time. The procedure was very risky, gruesome and, since anaesthetics were unknown in those days, excruciatingly painful.
Pepys survived and it is said that he had the stone, ‘the size of a tennis ball’, mounted and kept on his desk as a paperweight. Another carving detailing a table laden with food and drink depicts Pepys ‘Stone Feast’, which he had every year on the anniversary of his surgery to celebrate his continued good health.
Pepys was also a survivor of the Great Plague of 1665, even though he remained in London. This pestilence and his survival are referenced in a
carving of a plague doctor. He’s carrying a winged hourglass and fully dressed in 17th century protective clothing.
The Great Fire of London began on 2 September 1666 and lasted just under five days. One-third of London was destroyed and about 100,000 people were made homeless. Pepys wrote in his diary: “(went) down to the water-side, and there got a boat … through (the) bridge, and there saw a lamentable fire. Everybody endeavouring to remove their goods: poor people staying in their houses as long as till the very fire touched them, and then running into boats, or clambering from one pair of stairs by the water-side to another. And among other things, the poor pigeons, I perceive, were loth to leave their houses, but hovered about the windows and balconys till … some of them burned their wings and fell down.” This scene is detailed in a carving of a boat in the Thames with the City ablaze in the distance, while a piece of furniture floats nearby.
It was also during the Great Fire that Samuel Pepys made frantic efforts to save his family and possessions, moving them down river. He even buried some of his possessions on this site, in the communal garden of the Navy Board, including his wine and – bizarrely – his parmesan cheese. It was obviously an expensive and exotic delicacy of the time –this too is depicted in a stone carving.
“The President and Chairman of the Samuel Pepys Club highly praise those involved in the visionary project, which has transformed the Seething Lane Samuel Pepys Garden into a most attractive inner-city green space. It is clear that all who live and work in the area are delighted by the expert landscaping, which has now allowed birds to nest in hedges and bathe in the bird bath. The bust of Samuel Pepys forms the centre piece of the garden, providing a fitting memorial to an outstanding person who worked at the Navy Office here in the 17th century.”
Julian Amey, Chairman of the Samuel Pepys Club
“Seething Lane Garden is a good example of our work protecting and conserving historic green spaces in the City. It’s a famous site which will once again become part of the network of gardens, churchyards, plazas and highway plantings we look after. The addition of new trees and shrubs will improve the biodiversity of the area and will become an important habitat for wildlife within the urban landscape.”
Graeme Smith, Chairman of the Open Spaces & City Gardens Committee, City of London Corporation
A Tale Told in Tile
1. A CARVING OF THE NAVY OFFICE Pepys’ place of work, eventually rising to become Chief Secretary to the Admiralty.
2. A CARVING OF A MONKEY SITTING ON SOME BOOKS HAVING TAKEN A BITE OUT OF A DOCUMENT.
Refers to an entry in Pepys’ diary 18th January 1661 : ‘At home found all well, but the monkey loose, which did anger me, and so I did strike her till she was almost dead’.
3. A CARVING OF A FLEA BASED ON A DRAWING FROM ROBERT HOOKE’S MICROGRAPHIA
While visiting his bookseller on a frosty day in early January 1665 Pepys noticed a copy of the book which according to Pepys’ diary, ‘is so pretty that I presently bespoke it’.
4. A KIDNEY STONE HELD IN A PAIR OF FORCEPS REPRESENTING PEPYS SURGERY.
At the age of 25 Pepys underwent surgery, a very risky procedure, since anaesthetics were unknown in those days. He survived and had the stone, ‘the size of a tennis ball’, mounted and kept it on his desk as a paperweight.
5. A CARVING OF A PARMESAN CHEESE AND WINE
During the Great Fire Pepys buried some of his possessions on this site, in the communal garden of the Navy Board, including his wine and – bizarrely – his parmesan cheese, obviously an expensive and exotic delicacy of the time.
6. A CARVING OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS – ALL OF WHICH PEPYS COULD PLAY
To Pepys, music wasn’t just a pleasant pastime; it was also an art of great significance – something that could change lives and affect everyone who heard it. He was a keen amateur, playing various instruments and studying singing.
The Knollys Rose Ceremony
Seething Lane is first mentioned in documents as Shyvethenstrat in 1257. The name derives from the old English for chaff, and it was this chaff that is partly responsible for one of London’s oldest and most intriguing ceremonies that still takes place today. The Knollys Rose Ceremony is held in June each year and is organised by the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames. One red rose is plucked from Seething Lane Garden and taken on a cushion from the altar of All Hallow’s Church to the Mansion House and presented to the Lord Mayor of London.
The ceremony commemorates an ancient City judgement dating from 1381 when Sir Robert Knollys owned a house on Seething Lane. He was sent abroad to fight alongside John of Gaunt and while he was away, his wife Constance is reputed to have become annoyed with the chaff dust blowing from the threshing ground opposite their house. So, she bought the property and turned it into a rose garden.
Constance also built a footbridge over the lane to avoid the mud, but without the equivalent of planning permission. The penalty for this was that a red rose ‘rent’ from her rose garden had to be paid annually to the Lord Mayor. The rose payment was merely a symbolic fine upon Sir Robert, a leading citizen and a successful and respected soldier. For this payment, permission was given “to make an haut pas of the height of 14 feet” across the lane. The footbridge has long since disappeared, but the legal requirement for the payment has long been established as one of the City’s traditions.
Charcoal sketch of Sir Edwin Coopers’ original design of the rear façade
The Passion of Reputation
Food is art. It can move you around the world in a single bite. It offers you a window into cultures from around the world, or a tour through generations of a family recipe. The award-winning restaurants are a great example of Reignwood Group’s philosophy of bringing guests the finest dining experiences from around the world – all while pushing the boundaries of a culture’s cuisine into new flavour profiles. Each restaurant has a unique look, whether it’s a celebration of East meets West or keeping the interior clean and simple by putting the focus on the plate.
Passion on a Plate
Showcasing two of the greatest Asian cuisines under one roof, Mei Ume offers a selection of traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes with an innovative, modern approach. Headed up by award-winning chef Tony Truong, the restaurant presents a colourful selection of sushi, sashimi and dim sum, as well as Chinese main course dishes.
The interior design of the restaurant is a culmination of East and West influences, brought together by architect Terence Ngan and interior designer Ed Ng of Hong Kong-based design studio AB Concept. Thanks to their incredible vision and passion, Mei Ume was the winner of the 2018 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, winning the ‘Best Overall UK Restaurant’.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by an exquisite glass panel featuring enamel-painted plum blossoms. There’s also a semiprivate dining room set behind stunning bamboo screen panels, which creates a poetic dining experience in a bamboo forest.
A mini corridor connects the bar area to the main dining room, which showcases bold accents of red – a symbol of “luck” in Chinese culture. The main dining room also features a spectacular red-lacquer frame holding a unique three-layer gilded triptych. It’s a wonderful focal point that guests always admire.
MEI UME
Winner of ‘Best Overall UK Restaurant’ in the 2018 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
SIGNATURE PEKING DUCK
Crispy skin, moist meat and just the right amount of fat, carved at your table and served according to tradition across two courses.
Where Cultures Combine
The name Mei Ume is a combination of the Japanese and Chinese words for plum. In Japanese and Chinese culture, plum represents courage and strength because it’s the first flower to bloom while the winter air still bites.
DAME DE PIC
A Trailblazing Chef
Awarded two prestigious Michelin stars in the 2020 Michelin Guide, renowned French chef Anne-Sophie Pic brings her signature cuisine to the City of London via the elegant La Dame de Pic restaurant. Due to her incredible talent and unexpected flavour combinations, the restaurant has become one of the finest French restaurants in the City of London.
The impressive yet relaxing dining room offers a contemporary dining experience, while remaining true to its surroundings. In addition to the main dining room, the restaurant has an intimate private dining room where up to 12 guests can enjoy an intimate lunch or dinner.
Parisian designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille were guided by the Beaux Arts bones of the building, dressing the original sculptural embellishments with tactile, toffee-coloured leather and tinted mirrors. A large chandelier also hangs in the centre of the room and features an intricate playing card design in a nod to La Dame de Pique, the French card game that inspired the restaurant’s name.
Generations in the Service of Fine Dining
Anne-Sophie Pic is the most decorated Michelin-starred female chef in the world. She currently has eight Michelin stars across her five restaurants – and it’s easy to see why.
Her family played a vital role in the history of French cuisine for several generations. In fact, her family’s restaurant Maison Pic in Valence originally won three Michelin stars under her grandfather Andre in 1934. Later, her father joined and he, too, was awarded three Michelin stars.
Anne-Sophie did not start her career as a chef until she was 23.
After the sudden loss of her father and then the restaurant’s third star in 1995, Anne-Sophie decided to join the family business. With no formal training, she managed to steer the restaurant back towards its former glory by gaining three stars of her own in 2007.
Anne-Sophie’s signature style is more about her creative approach. She is always exploring and creating complex new flavour combinations. She enjoys experimenting with underrated ingredients and flavours such as beetroot, turnip and cabbage, which are usually involved in some of her most exciting dishes.
A Peaceful Sanctuary
Ten Trinity Square is a building that makes its presence felt. Stood proudly on the bank of the River Thames, it has seen the ebb and flow of global trade for 100 years. Reignwood Group’s vision was for Ten Trinity Square to achieve universal appeal by understanding the intricacies of its global audience. To accomplish this, world-renowned interior designers were commissioned to create a variety of living spaces that our guests can call home.
RESIDENCES
Living the High Life
The residences at Ten Trinity Square can be found on floors three to six and range in size from one to four bedrooms measuring 1,330–4,810 square-feet. These exquisite homes can be accessed either through the majestic hotel entrance or via their own discreet residential entrances. They offer complete luxury in one of the City’s prime locations.
A Home Away From Home
The design of the residences draws inspiration from the era of the building’s origins in the 1920s. This was a time of refined luxury, prosperity and glamour, with a distinctive style that translates beautifully into the neo-classical architecture of the building today. High standards of craftsmanship, material and design quality extend throughout the spaces. Special touches include art deco detailing and other classical features combined with a refined colour palette, which embodies the heritage themes of the design.
The interior base build of the residences was conceived by awardwinning interior designers, The Gallery HBA and consists of ultra-highspecification interiors including stone, marble and herringbone timber flooring. The interiors are complemented by sympathetic finishes and refined colour palettes that reflect the project’s blend of old and new and East meets West. Enhanced and enriched by renowned design houses Martin Kemp Design, Fox Linton, Richmond International, LINLEY and Reignwood DAYE Design, the elegant and sophisticated furniture, finishes and intricate attention to detail blend seamlessly together to create timeless homes that offer the ultimate luxury London living.
Contemporary & Sophisticated
Aclassical approach to styling with a modern detail was the concept explored by Martin Kemp Design. Seeking to respect the architecture within which the building sits, the interior brings personality to the space. Martin Kemp Design overlaid the quality of the shell and basebuild embellishing with a stylish yet simple series of finishes. Prime focus was on the joinery, furniture and furnishings as people tend to notice and touch these more readily.
Martin Kemp Design has installed character and feeling, evocative for a contemporary and sophisticated home. Leather has been used on wall surfaces in the hallway, almond gold inlay and semi-precious materials have been applied in an unexpected way. The styling is timeless and elegant but also defiantly up to date. The superb craftsmanship, the bespoke pieces and refined detailing create interiors of incomparable luxury and comfort.
MARTIN KEMP DESIGN
Relaxed & Regal
The Ten Trinity Square residences designed by LINLEY are founded in the richness of British and London history, embodied by the building itself and intertwined with David Linley’s unique background. David has described his style as ‘elegant and eclectic’, reflecting his childhood influences as the son of Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and Lord Snowdon, the celebrated photographer. He grew up in the traditional surroundings of Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, but also spent a lot of his time ensconced in the artistic creativity of his father’s very modern photographic studio.
At Ten Trinity Square, LINLEY has approached the residences as any bespoke project, looking at the character of the building and developing ideas based on its iconic location beside the River Thames and one of London’s oldest palaces, the Tower of London. The firm’s designs combine the relaxed with the regal and the antique with the modern. The result are rooms with personality, while always retaining a commitment to British craftsmanship and using only the finest materials and finishes.
LINLEY
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL
Nostalgic & Luxurious
In the Ten Trinity Square residences designed by Richmond International, the narrative was inspired by the history of the building as the former headquarters for the PLA. The concept reflects the spirit of navigation through furniture and artefacts carefully curated to instil a sense of nostalgia and timeless luxury. Interiors boast the finest finishes and details, from hand-woven silk rugs to beautifully crafted veneers, creating layers of opulence with an undeniable feeling of home.
The materials are of the finest quality, focusing on silk above all – a prized luxury introduced to England in the 15th century – stressing once again the historical link between East and West. The interiors are modern, comfortable, carefully curated in every detail, and epitomising ambition and sophistication. They’re perfect for welcoming discerning world citizens with an appreciation of luxury.
FOX LINTON INTERIORS
Timeless & Distinctive
Fox Linton Interiors have created apartments that exude timeless elegance, featuring opulent royal tones, distinctive furnishings and dramatic artwork. Combining British sophistication with supreme comfort, the residences provide an exclusive oasis for business or luxury travellers.
Ten Trinity Square is rooted in the heart of the ancient City of London, where trade between Britain and the rest of the world was born, bringing prosperity and a better quality of life.
The residences provide a sense of uniqueness and personality evoking the glorious past of Ten Trinity Square as a location between two worlds, a crossroad of people, cultures and business.
REIGNWOOD DAYE DESIGN
Bold & Beautiful
Envisioned by Reignwood Daye Design, the sun-splashed interior of these residences pays homage to the building’s origins as a centre of global trade and a crossroads between cultures and civilisations. Both Western and Eastern influences are on display, creating a warm residential ambience that is at once rooted in place and cosmopolitan.
THE EVENT PENTHOUSES
An Elevated Sense of Self
The Ten Trinity Square penthouses designed by LINLEY are founded in the richness of British and London history, embodied by the building itself and intertwined with David Linley’s royal background. Located on the seventh floor, they offer luxurious, flexible entertaining spaces – ideal for larger events that require an intimate setting.
Set Your Sights High
A6,000 square-foot venue with uninterrupted views over the most iconic architecture of London, the Thames Penthouse offers an incomparable setting in the City. The residential-style penthouse consists of a large entertaining space with floor to ceiling windows, a bespoke bar, open plan seating/ living area and kitchen. A 1,500 square-foot terrace overlooking the Tower of London and Tower Bridge makes this space even more unique.
THAMES PENTHOUSE
Rise Above
City Life
Abright, contemporary venue, the 3,000 square-foot City Penthouse is perfect for intimate meetings and events. The main entertaining space benefits from large windows overlooking the hotel atrium, providing plenty of natural daylight. It also features a connecting room, which provides the perfect break-out area for breakfast or lunch. Furthermore, a large wraparound terrace provides generous outdoor space with impressive views over the City of London and its landmark buildings.
TRINITY PENTHOUSE
The Jewel in the Crown
Positioned on the sixth floor, Ten Trinity Square Penthouse is the most notable residence with several unique spaces located within the building’s iconic Portico Tower. The design took inspiration from the building’s origins in the 1920s, with a distinctive style that translates beautifully into the neo-classical architecture of the building today.
The interior of the penthouse is elegant with sympathetic finishes and a refined colour palette – echoing the blend of old and new and where East meets West. Further enhanced by Martin Kemp Design, the penthouse features elegant and sophisticated furniture, finishes and intricate attention to detail, blending seamlessly together to create a timeless residence.
Hidden behind a secret door depicting the iconic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral is the gateway to the extraordinary spaces of the Portico Tower. This includes a museum that celebrates Sino-UK cultural relations with exhibits that highlight the extensive cultural ties between China and the UK. It also features the Tower Gallery, which showcases items of beauty and interest, plus the Tower Wine Room – a luxurious space for the ultimate wine tasting experience. It’s even home to The Secret Garden – a place of beauty and tranquillity.
At the top of the tower with 180-degree views over the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Thames sits the Tower Library. It’s a journey of East meets West, with a story told by the curation of exquisite and rare books. Topics include treasures of the Silk Route, philosophy, art and literature as well as incorporating the history of the site and surroundings of Ten Trinity Square.
The Power of Connection
Reignwood Group is committed to bringing people of global influence together and creating powerful partnerships. Our elite areas provide important spaces where real, meaningful connections are made. London has always prided itself on its ability to bring countries together to trade, talk and engage. This sentiment is carried through the Private Club and the rooms that surround it. People matter. Partnerships matter.
TEN TRINITY SQUARE PRIVATE CLUB
Forging Powerful Partnerships
Ten Trinity Square Private Club is a tri-party partnership between Reignwood Group, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Château Latour. It’s located on the second floor and centred on the old offices and boardrooms of the original building, with timeless views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge framed by the Thames. With their carved walnut panelling and high ceilings, The Club rooms have been beautifully restored and preserved, with furniture in contrasting contemporary classic styles.
The Club offers a collection of beautifully restored rooms that provide elegant spaces for meeting, dining and drinking. It features the first Château Latour Discovery Room outside of France, as well as an exclusive dining room. Additional Club highlights include meeting rooms, a traditional billiards room, curated library and the only indoor cigar lounge in the City. It’s the perfect place to meet like-minded people and build strong partnerships.
CHÂTEAU LATOUR PARTNERSHIP
Raise Your Glass
Château Latour has, for the first time, lent its name away from its vineyards to Ten Trinity Square Private Club, with the creation of The Château Latour experience. With over 45 wines available by the glass, including the prestigious Grand Vin de Château Latour 1982, and carefully selected vintages direct from the cellars of the estate, the collaboration with Château Latour forms a truly unique part of the membership experience. In addition, members have the opportunity to enjoy wines from the principal Estates of Artémis Domaines including Château Grillet, Domaine D’Eugénie, Clos de Tart and the Eisele Vineyard in Napa Valley.
As a homage to the River Gironde, with its estuary running just 300 metres from the Château Latour vineyard, Reignwood Group celebrates this unique relationship in the playful design of the carpet, which runs throughout the Private Club.
CHÂTEAU LATOUR DISCOVERY ROOM
Make Room for the Elite
The Château Latour Discovery Room was formerly known as The Reading Room and echoes the UN Ballroom in its richly carved oak-panelled walls and elegant coffered ceiling.
Adorning the walls is a collection of portraits representing historical figures from many disparate trades, occupations and eras. This plays homage to a comprehensive array of Britons, each at the vanguard of their own field in engineering, art, letters, mathematics, politics, medicine, architecture, navigation, philanthropy and abolitionism. Collectively, they significantly contributed to the fabric of London and the culture, industry and morals of the British Empire.
New design elements further enhance this stunning room, with the finest attention to detail seen in the atmospheric lighting, which plays homage to the cellars of the Bordeaux estate.
“A place to spark conversations and build relationships, Ten Trinity Square Private Club will revive the proud tradition of London’s great Clubs for a new, globalised era.”
Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang
A Hub of Debate & Discovery
True to the building’s legacy as a centre of London’s trade, leaders and keythinkers from diverse industries meet at Ten Trinity Square Private Club to share ideas and nurture relationships. Hidden in plain sight and valued by those in the know, the Club offers an exciting events programme with guest speakers ranging from Ed Balls, Cherie Blair CBE, QC and Michael Howard, Baron Howard of Lympne to ex White House Director, Anthony Scaramucci and sporting figures Chris Robshaw and Michael Owen.
Ten Trinity Square Private Club is a place for conversation and inspiration. Club Members are invited to explore a rich programme of cultural experiences and opportunities, including private musical performances and exclusive wine tastings. Expect glamorous launches and charity dinners one week and thought-provoking lectures on current affairs the next. As well as hosting artistic and academic events, the Club serves as a venue for economic forums and summits, encouraging Members to further international business and cultural relationships.
CHAIRMAN’S LOUNGE
Blessed by the Gods
This magnificent space, with burr walnut panels and sweeping views down to the Thames and Tower Bridge, was once the PLA’s Chairman’s office. The sumptuous fireplace and walls feature a wealth of carvings of foliage and fruit in the style of the most famous European woodcarver of the late 1600s, Grinling Gibbons. The ceiling details delicate reliefs with medallion heads for Neptune God of the Sea, Mars and Ceres – the God and Goddess of agriculture. Today, this historic setting provides an inspirational meeting place for both business and pleasure.
“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
Winston Churchill, Prime Minister
PLACES TO CONNECT
The Social Network
DINING ROOM
Flooded with natural light during the day and glowing under beautiful chandeliers at night.
CIGAR LOUNGE
The intimate Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge at the Club offers Members an exclusive collection of cigars from rare vintage Havanas to world-renowned Montecristos and smooth and creamy Cohibas. With experts on hand to assist guests with traditional combinations or more diverse pairings, Members are invited to explore the finest traditions of handmade cigars, accompanied by an extensive menu of Cognac and whisky.
BILLIARDS ROOM
The timeless quality and sounds of billiards, pool and snooker played on soft green baize creates the perfect setting for Members’ enjoyment.
MEETING ROOMS
A selection of intimate rooms with original ornate carved panelling, elaborate fireplaces and chandeliers have been lovingly restored to create a warm and informal ambience and a unique sense of occasion. These intimate rooms can be reserved for private meetings, receptions and dinners.
Royal Connections
On display at Ten Trinity Square is the historic visitors book of the Willis Towers Watson (formerly Willis Faber) Insurance Headquarters. It records, amongst other past distinguished guests, the two visits made by Princess Diana in 1992 and 1995, together with her signature.
“It is a great thing for the great institutions of the country to be housed in buildings that are worthy.”
David Lloyd George, Prime Minister. Ten Trinity Square opening, 1922
Acknowledgements
2022 marks the 100th anniversary of Ten Trinity Square. The Ten Trinity Square Centenary Book would not have been possible without the incredible direction and support from Reignwood Group along with the help and assistance of many people, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Considerable thanks are due to Matt Rowland with Tim Leney and his team at TC Communications for the design, while the project was masterminded tirelessly on behalf of Reignwood by Ruth Scanlan and Amy Watson.
Photographic credits
Sources for the photography and illustrations in the book are listed below. Every effort has been made to contact the copyright owners to seek their permission before reproducing the pictures included in the book. Any error or omission in acknowledging ownership is regretted.
Alamy.com
Julian Abrams
Julian Anderson
Mark Parren Taylor
Michael Yamashita
Moinard-Betaille
Richard Bryant
Richard Waite
Printed in the UK by Kingsbury Press. This paper has been independently certified according to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)®. Cover material used is REACH Compliant. REACH is a European Regulation and is an acronym for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The overall aims of REACH are to: Provide a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the use of chemicals.
