If you are in London and staying in Mowbray Court Hotel, do not fail to visit
the exhibition of the city’s re-creation of the ‘Ark of the Masonic Covenant.’
the exhibition of the city’s re-creation of the ‘Ark of the Masonic Covenant.’
Sir John Soane is a Neo-Classical architect recognized for the construction of a
substantial number of the great monuments in the city of London. His works
include the Dulwich Picture Gallery the Bank of England, and the city’s
Freemason’s Hall. This place isn’t too far from London central and you
can also opt for accommodation Earls Court London.
substantial number of the great monuments in the city of London. His works
include the Dulwich Picture Gallery the Bank of England, and the city’s
Freemason’s Hall. This place isn’t too far from London central and you
can also opt for accommodation Earls Court London.
During the 18th century, Freemasonry was rocked by the divisive rivalry
between the ‘Antient’ and the ‘Modern’ Grand Lodges. The rivalry came
to an end in 1813. The union of the Grand Lodges was recognized through
a document called the Masonic Covenant.
between the ‘Antient’ and the ‘Modern’ Grand Lodges. The rivalry came
to an end in 1813. The union of the Grand Lodges was recognized through
a document called the Masonic Covenant.
Soane was commissioned to design an ornamental cabinet to hold this
important document. The resulting creation was called the ‘Ark of the Masonic
Covenant.’ It is a work of art, a piece of symbolical ritual furniture designed
to honour the union of the Masonic Lodges.
important document. The resulting creation was called the ‘Ark of the Masonic
Covenant.’ It is a work of art, a piece of symbolical ritual furniture designed
to honour the union of the Masonic Lodges.
Sir John Soane also designed the grand interiors of the Great Hall of the
Grand Lodge. He positioned the Ark in the centre of the hall, directly
beneath the dramatic, breath-taking hanging ceiling.
Grand Lodge. He positioned the Ark in the centre of the hall, directly
beneath the dramatic, breath-taking hanging ceiling.
Not a piece of this architectural ensemble, Soane’s handiwork, remains today.
The interiors of the Great Hall were remodeled in the 1860s. In 1883, a
fire razed the Ark.
The interiors of the Great Hall were remodeled in the 1860s. In 1883, a
fire razed the Ark.
Founded in 1717, London’s first Masonic Grand Lodge is now celebrating
its 300th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Ark has been reconstructed
and is now on display.
its 300th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Ark has been reconstructed
and is now on display.
The spectacular reconstruction of Soane’s Ark is the handiwork of the
Houghtons of York. Other artistic creations, intended to give a glimpse
of Soane’s broad and deep engagement with the Masonic order, are on
display around the Ark. You will see the architect’s own Masonic regalia
including his Masonic medal, gloves, and apron, a dazzling watercolour
executed by J. M. Gandy, as well as a number of fascinating Freemasonry
books from Soane’s own collection of treasured books. Not too far from
this place, you can search for accommodation in Kensington London to
book your stay.
Houghtons of York. Other artistic creations, intended to give a glimpse
of Soane’s broad and deep engagement with the Masonic order, are on
display around the Ark. You will see the architect’s own Masonic regalia
including his Masonic medal, gloves, and apron, a dazzling watercolour
executed by J. M. Gandy, as well as a number of fascinating Freemasonry
books from Soane’s own collection of treasured books. Not too far from
this place, you can search for accommodation in Kensington London to
book your stay.
The event is sponsored by the Factum Foundation, as well as by England’s
United Grand Lodge. Ferdinand Smith stands as guest curator.
United Grand Lodge. Ferdinand Smith stands as guest curator.
The exhibition also launches a new book by Ferdinand Smith. The book gives
Smith’s account of the process behind the re-creation of the Ark. It also
includes contributions from key people like Douglas Burford and Dr. James
Campbell. Burford was once the Lodge’s Grand Superintendent of Works,
a position that Soane also assumed. Dr. Campbell is considered to be
England’s foremost architectural historian.
Smith’s account of the process behind the re-creation of the Ark. It also
includes contributions from key people like Douglas Burford and Dr. James
Campbell. Burford was once the Lodge’s Grand Superintendent of Works,
a position that Soane also assumed. Dr. Campbell is considered to be
England’s foremost architectural historian.
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