Architecture

The building was Middlesex Guildhall and was opened in 1913, it housed two Courts and the offices of Middlesex County Council. It was designed by Scottish architect James S Gibson (1864 – 1951) with Skipwith and Gordon, and sculptures by Henry Fehr.

The Middlesex Guildhall building was renovated preserving the historic features of the building and to facilitate the nature of hearings at the Supreme Court: the discussion of points of law rather than trials by jury. This careful renovation was completed by conservation architects Feilden + Mawson, supported by Foster and Partners, and in consultation with the Law Lords, Westminster City Council and English Heritage on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

The Middlesex Guildhall Art Collection Trustees, the Middlesex Regiment, the Westminster Society and Thorney Island Society were also involved, along with statutory consultees.

Exteriors

Construction on the Middlesex Guildhall took place from 1906 to 1913. The exterior is made of Portland stone supported by an internal steel frame. Its architectural style is described as neo-gothic with Flemish – Burgundian references.

The entrance is an arched deep-set portal with segmental arched window above, framed by canted bay turrets. The building has a tower, with large arched windows and lofty stone chimney stacks. The exterior is decorated with parapets, dormers and stonework by Henry Fehr.

The flags

The Union Flag is flown each day with the flag displaying the emblem of the UK Supreme Court flying below the Union Flag, each day on which the Supreme Court is either sitting or delivering a judgment (on recommendation from the British Flag Institute).

The following flags will be flown in addition to the Union Flag taking precedence over the Supreme Court flag:

• 1 March – The Red Dragon

• 23 April – St George’s Flag

• 16 May (Middlesex Day) – The Middlesex Flag

• The Saturday before Remembrance Sunday in November – The Middlesex Regiment Flag

• 30 November – The Saltire

The semi-circular stone benches opposite the main entrance are decorated with a poem by former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion “Lines for The Supreme Court”.

You can find out more about the exteriors of the Court by listening to our 15 minute audio tour: Audio tour of exterior (MP3 file)

The tour begins with the entrance to the Court on Parliament Square.

Please take care when navigating the outside of the building.

Interior details

Renovation work for the Supreme Court both restored details of the original Middlesex Guildhall and adapted the building to serve its new function.

As a Crown Court original features of the Middlesex Guildhall such as the two courtyards designed by Gibson were obscured by machinery, cells and partitions. The amount of natural light entering the building was reduced, making it feel cluttered and gloomy. During renovation, these light wells were cleared. The Supreme Court café is situated at the base of one of these light wells making it a bright and airy space.

Cells were converted into a permanent exhibition and the entrance hall was redesigned. It contains etched glass panels designed by Bettina Furnee with element of The Supreme Court emblem and phrases of the Judicial Oath.

The stained glass visible around the Court was designed and installed in 1913 by Abbott and Co, now based in Fleetwood, Lancaster. For more information on the stained glass see this guide: Guide to the stained glass of the building (PDF) (Thanks to Rupert Barnes of the Historic Counties Trust, and for reference material from the Dictionary of National Biography for their assistance).

Around the Court you will see the pop-art carpet designed by Sir Peter Blake with representations of the four nations of the United Kingdom. Also present in the Supreme Court Emblem which can be seen prominently displayed in Courtroom 2.

In Courtroom 2, you will find the Supreme Court emblem prominently displayed. The emblem features four plants representing the four nations of the United Kingdom. The same motif is represented in the pop-art carpet designed by Sir Peter Black, which can be found throughout the Court building. 

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