Royal School Of Mines (Imperial College Of Science And Technology)

The Royal School of Mines, part of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, is a college building constructed between 1909 and 1913, designed by Sir Aston Webb. It is made of Portland stone and features a hipped green slate roof. This grand, symmetrical Classical building has three storeys, plus attics and a basement, and is thirty-three bays wide. The central seven bays are set forward and are highlighted by Roman Ionic pilasters, which are paired on either side of a central bay that includes a three-storey semi-domed niche. The upper storey of the niche has arched windows, while the other windows are square-headed. The first and second floor windows are linked by continuous architraves across each bay. Above the second floor, there is a rich modillion cornice with an attic above. The central bays feature a blind attic adorned with sculptured groups, and there are further carved figures and high pedestals flanking the entrance, which display large busts of Wernner and Beit. Beyond the entrance, broad, low obelisks support pairs of lamps.