The Law Society's building is a history of expansion as lawyers became the secret rulers of the universe in the course of the 19th and 20th centuries. The centre was built by Lewis Vulliamy in 1829. Wings were added on either side in 1848 and 1856, and in 1902 a big block to the north by one of the best architects of the early 20th century, Charles Holden.
Holden was in his late 20s when he created the austere block ornamented only by four allegorical figures by Charles Pibworth, who was just 24.
The figures of bare-breasted women represent Truth with a mirror and Justice with scales, sword and (erroneously) blindfold. They are severe, strong and clean-lined.
The other two will be posted tomorrow.
2 comments:
I think you will find that the lady with the mirror is Prudence, defined as the ability to see oneself. I think this was discussed at some length when you featured the Prudential Building in Holborn a long time ago. "Truth" is the sword that is held by Justice.
When I first saw here I thought that it was our old friend Prudentia too, but what we can't see in the picture is that the artist has carved the word 'Truth' in the plinth she is sitting on.
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