London Photo Gallery - Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall

As part of the London Design Festival, Melek Zeynep Bulut's 'Duo' went on display at the Painted Hall between Oct 28 - Nov 3, 2024. It features a hanging rectangular prism, a minimalist design, with light rolling through it continuously. The Painted Hall was designed by Sir James Thornhill in the early 18th century. Originally intended to be the dining hall for the Royal Hospital's pensioners, it was painted in the Baroque style with figures of kings, queens, and mythological creatures that portray the country as a dominant European power with a prosperous economy and mighty navy. A small room off to the side of the Painted Hall hosted a major historical event in British military history. Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson's body was placed here after being brought back from battle in 1805 ahead of his state funeral. Tens of thousands came to Greenwich to pay their last respects. Today, we can see a video of his legacy, the history of the room, and also a copy of the sculpture atop Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.