The Metcalfe Hall
The construction work began in 1840. Design was prepared by the then City Magistrate C K Robinson and its a reflection of British Imperial Architecture of nineteenth century. Facing the Hooghly river on the west, the building follows the notable Greek order from the Tower of the Winds, Athens. After the completion in 1844, Calcutta Public Library, formed by Lord Metcalfe himself was shifted here from Esplanade. Metcalfe Hall was constructed following TOWER OF THE WINDS ORDER only.
The METCALFE HALL stands on a 10 feet high solid ornamental basement, with 30 Corinthian columns of 36 feet height rising from it, supporting the massive entablature. A close look in to the Capitals of the columns will reveal that the design is a single row of acanthus leaves surrounding a single row of palm leaves being the specialty of TOWER OF THE WINDS ORDER. This particular order became popular for domestic works in the 19th century. A full Greek Corinthian capital was costly and difficult to produce and was overly monumental for most houses. The Tower of the Winds capital, however, had the elegance of the Corinthian order but was more restrained and delicate.
Another small but interesting feature of Metcalfe Hall is the series of small Lion's heads arranged at equal intervals throughout the upper-most Cornice of the Hall. It is actually meant for the water outflow from the Cornice or the Roof
Lion's head meant for
water outflow
