Two Temple Place (2TP) is full of stories. Inside and out it is extraordinary and clearly very personal to William Waldorf Astor in its subjects. The execution at 2TP is of such quality that its Makers need proper acknowledgement. We refer to them generally as 2TP’s ” Makers” or “art workers” because not all thought of themselves as artists. Many came from a context of groundbreaking working-class arts education (described below) and from the context of church decoration, which was historically anonymous, even into the Twentieth Century.

The quality and quantity of work which the assembled team delivered in a relatively short period is extraordinary; the land of Two Temple Place was only purchased in 1892 and the project completed in 1895. The harmony of the varied materials and the rich embellishment of almost every surface is both a wonderful team achievement and a tribute to the Pearsons’ close supervision as architects and designers. Credit is also due to Sir Percy Thomas and the Incorporated Accountants for the care and expense involved in the sensitive reconstruction of Two Temple Place after its damage by a flying bomb in 1944.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no remaining correspondence between Astor and those he hired. We do know that the core group of senior makers had deep and long-lasting relationships before they came to Two Temple Place. Astor was clearly happy with the work here and at Cliveden in the early 1890s, as many of the team worked on all his British properties, including the major changes at Hever Castle and the main family home at 18 Carlton House Terrace.