The figure representing manufactures and commerce is carrying English broad cloth to rocky shores. Three statues were commissioned by Sebastian de Ferranti, a former Vice President of the RSA, to be installed on the pediment of the house as originally proposed by Robert Adam, the architect. The figures were made by Plowden and Smith

The figure of Minerva, representing arts, is holding a shield bearing the Gorgon's head and a spear. Three statues were commissioned by Sebastian de Ferranti, a former Vice President of the RSA, to be installed on the pediment of the house as originally proposed by Robert Adam, the architect. The figures were made by Plowden and Smith

The figure of Minerva, representing arts, is holding a shield bearing the Gorgon's head and a spear. Three statues were commissioned by Sebastian de Ferranti, a former Vice President of the RSA, to be installed on the pediment of the house as originally proposed by Robert Adam, the architect. The figures were made by Plowden and Smith.

Plaque says 'The houses of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, foundation laid 28 March 1772, completed 24 April 1774, Robert And James Adam, Architects'

Photograph by David Spero

This photograph was taken after the plaques above the right and left hand windows are casts of the English Bas relief depicting Priam's Appeal to Achilles for the Body of Hector (currently situated in the reception area). They were affixed in 1979-80 in partial fulfilment of Robert Adam's proposed decorative scheme.