Eton College, The School Hall

The School Hall at Eton College (together with the adjoining Library) was originally built in the early 1900s to commemorate the 192 Old Etonians who died in the South African War of 1899-1902. The buildings were opened in November 1908 by King Edward VII.

With its vast open space, high ceilings and stone columns, the Hall is used for assemblies, concerts (and even examinations). Hopkins Architects were commissioned to repair and upgrade the building and turn into a high-quality performance venue. The refurbishment scheme included comfortable raked seating for 500 people (specially designed and supplied by Luke Hughes & Company), new lighting and environmental systems, plentiful bathroom facilities and excellent AV facilities. An innovative lift system allows the raked floor to be levelled, the furniture to be dropped to the basement and packed away underneath, leaving a flat-floor space for dances, exams and other events.

The furniture comprises, for the ground floor, a range of fully-upholstered bench seats made in European oak, with an ingenious quick-release brass floor fixing. The front rows are curved, presenting a daunting challenge to the designers and makers, not least since the shapes must allow for both the raked floor and the resulting compound curvature.

The rear gallery is furnished with standard, Luke Hughes 'Charterhouse' benches, also in European oak; and the choir can now be seated under the organ (which has also been restored) at the front of the building on upholstered tiered seating, also on varying radii.

For more details about this and any other projects or products, please contact us.

For more details about this and any other projects or products, please contact us.