Foundation Stone Plaque

1877

Queen Mary University of London

Mile End Road, London

Formerly the library of the People's Palace

Photograph, caption, and commentary by Jacqueline Banerjee

[You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL.]

The Octagon, "one of the most significant buildings of architectural and historical importance in East London," is a "triple height, single volume, eight-sided hall with plain stock brick walls rising to prospect level, behind which the slate roof terminates in the glazed roof lantern." During its recent refurbishment, the decorative plasterwork was restored, as was the "polychromatic high-Victorian style colour scheme" (Memon 12). Once the library of the People's Palace, then a recreation hall, then again the main library facility of Queen Mary's College London, the Octagon is now an adjunct to the modern library facilities of Queen Mary University of London. It is used as a meeting and exhibition venue. King Leopold II of the Belgians, who laid this stone, was Queen Victoria's cousin, known for his interest in architecture.

Other views

• The People's Palace, now the Queen's Building (front elevation)
• Interior of the Octagon (1)
• Interior of the Octagon (2)
• Dome of the Octagon
• Bust of Chaucer

Source

Memon, Anila. "An Octagonal Conundrum." Quad (Magazine for QMUL Alumni) 13, 2004: 12.

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Last modified 10 February 2008