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THE LIBRARY AND MEMBERS' ROOM
The Ground Floor is raised a little
above street level and consists of the Lower Hall, on the river
front, and a series of Administrative Offices, all having oak
panelled ceilings and walls and mullioned windows. The Lower Hall
was formerly divided up as the Astor Estate Office proper, but
its appearance has been considerably enhanced by its conversion
into an open Members' Room and Library, which has accommodation
for 10,000 volumes.
The Lower Ground Floor contains
the Registry and the Store, and provides elaborate service and
subsidiary accommodation. The 'Back stairs' run in graceful oval
form from this level to the roof, and are so designed that the
only support is that given by the bearing of the wall itself.
It is bordered by a wrought-iron handrail, which, like other similar
work in the building, 'stands as a sound piece of smithing on
traditional lines'.
It is not an exaggeration to say
that in no portion of Two Temple Place can any part be found which
has not been carefully conceived in all its details, and executed
by the best craftsmen in the finest materials.
2002 footnote: Now known
as The Long Gallery, this room is only available for hire on an
ad hoc basis and by prior agreement with the owner.
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