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For the eighth time, The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) will take part in Open House London, an annual celebration of the buildings, places and spaces where people live and work across the city.
The event provides a unique opportunity to see, explore and learn about London’s architecture and design, offering free access to more than 800 buildings in the city, including some areas that are usually closed to the public. IHQ will be featured Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Architects from Sheppard Robson, the company that designed the building, will be on hand to give talks on significant design aspects and Salvation Army staff will welcome people and conduct tours. A video created for the event features Chief Architect Andrew Chadwick exploring the ideas behind the design and explaining that the 101 Queen Victoria Street site, which has been home to IHQ since 1881, was rebuilt in 2004 at no cost to The Salvation Army.
Visitors will be able to experience the serene surroundings of the International Chapel, spend time in the General’s office, walk round the international zonal offices and learn about the innovative ideas that went into the designing of this iconic building.
Food will be available from Café 101 all day and the adjoining Gallery 101 will for the first time host the annual exhibition of works created by representatives from BT and the Post Office. Activities for children will include face-painting, and all will enjoy music from Regent Hall and Croydon Citadel bands.
As has been the case for previous Open House events, Major Beverly Ivany, writer of The Salvation Army’s daily Bible reading series Words of Life, will be signing copies of the book and answering questions about her writing ministry.
