The Lloyd’s 1928 Arch, once the main entrance to the Lloyd's 1928 building on Leadenhall Street, was designed by Sir Edwin Cooper, R.A. It has recently been restored in preparation for the placement and subsequent unveiling of the War Memorials. The arch is made of Portland stone and is 37 feet high and 19 ½ feet wide.
Sir Edwin Cooper's design represented Lloyd’s and its characteristics by symbols sculptured in the centre of the pediment – the triangle upper part of the arch. These symbols still aptly represent Lloyd’s today.
The central motif of the sculptured group is a globe, which typifies the worldwide interests of Lloyd’s, supported on the right by a female figure, representing Commerce. Around this are grouped a lion, suggesting courage and strength, and a hive, indicating the activities of the Industry. A supporting male figure, representing Shipping, has at his feet the Owl, expressing the foresight and wisdom so necessary in the commerce of the sea.
The restoration of the arch was undertaken by Cathedral Works Organisation Ltd (CWO), who are specialists in conservation, restoration and stonemasonry. CWO have completed similar restorations and new stone work on various buildings in London; Buckingham Palace, The Monument and St George’s Chapel (Windsor Castle).
CWO used an environmentally friendly, chemical free solution of chalk and water, sprayed at high pressure directly on the Portland stone. Cleaning of the arch took place each evening after 8.30pm to avoid any disruption to what is now the Tower 5 entrance to Lloyd’s. Following completion of the cleaning, stone repairs to the arch began, followed by a few weeks of remedial work such as painting the gates.
