The story of 20 Bedford Way and our venues
Today, our unique venue is one of the most flexible, notable venues in central London. But 20 Bedford Way has a storied past – one that encompasses important steps in education and the innovative architecture movement. And, of course, it serves as the backdrop of fantastic events, conferences and performances.
Let’s travel through time for a history lesson on this iconic piece of London history.
Who is 20 Bedford Way?
20 Bedford Way has meant many different things to many people over the years. Since opening our doors in 1975, the venue has been:
- A practical space for businesses and industries to network
- A hub for cultural talks, new thinking and celebrations of literature
- A learning centre for forward-thinking education and training sessions
Just minutes from Russel Square tube station and located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London’s university district, 20 Bedford Way is a stunning grade II listed building beloved by students, neighbours and tourists alike. It’s housed within the famous Bloomsbury Squares, home to many of the University College London (UCL)’s lecture halls, a historical space of refuge and relaxation from studies. Today, it’s a collection of flexible event spaces, a space to learn and relax in equal measure, a centre of quiet contemplation amongst the unfinished rawness of its facade.
Its central London location gives 20 Bedford Way insight into one of the world’s most vibrant cities, serving as the events arm of UCL. Today, you might find a book launch, an academic conference or a charity fundraiser held behind its doors.
When did the IOE become part of UCL?
20 Bedford Way first opened its doors as the home of the Institute of Education. It merged with the University College London in 2014, becoming the UCL Institute of Education. This new institution educates over 35,000 students, It’s both the largest higher education institution in London and postgraduate institution in the UK.
UCL and 20 Bedford Way have been linked for over 60 years, since plans were first drawn up for a new home that would become the brutalist icon we all know and love today. While initially met with rejection, 20 Bedford Way now stands as one of the most impressive examples of modern London architecture. Track the progress of its construction through these rare photographs.
Who built 20 Bedford Way?
So we have the Institute of Education to thank for the proposal to build 20 Bedford Way, but who is the great mind behind its construction? That would be eminent British architect Sir Denys Lasdun.
Lasdun is best known by Londoners for his work on the Royal National Theatre on Southbank. He has an enduring legacy as one of the most notable designers of brutalist architecture, pioneering rough textures in his concrete forms and wood ‘shuttering’ produced while the concrete was cast in situ.
20 Bedford Way isn’t just a hotspot for conferences, education and cultural events. It also attracts another kind of enthusiast – fans of brutalist architecture. As an essential stop in any tour of London’s key brutalist architecture touchpoints. We have a guide to the history of the innovative brutalist movement that’s found new life in recent years. You can also visit our Instagram page for a closer look at our brutal home.
Our event spaces
Alongside graduations and university lectures, we offer a variety of event venues for businesses of all shapes and sizes. From conferences and meetings to exhibitions, product launches and training events, our adaptable rooms are the perfect setting for your event.
Logan Hall
Perhaps the most notable space in 20 Bedford Way is the impressive Logan Hall auditorium. Our flagship hall has played host to sold-out lectures, talks, book launches and charity events across the years, attracting names from the world of politics, arts and sports. This 910-seater comes equipped with the latest technology, excellent sight lines and even use of our grand pianos.
Performers can benefit from green and changing rooms, and our event planning team and technicians can help you make the most of our dimmable, white stage lighting set up. For talks, conferences and presentations, our sound system and the venue’s excellent acoustics ensure that your words reach every corner of the room. Your words will resonate clearly with your audience, providing attendees with an unforgettable experience.
Logan Hall is regularly used for graduation ceremonies for universities across London. It’s always a pleasure to see students come together to celebrate the tireless work they’ve put in to obtain their degrees and develop the skills to make their mark on the world
Punnett Hall
Celebrating our rich history is deeply important to us. We particularly want to ensure that the people who have made this institution what it is today are remembered for the roles they played.
Recently, our drama studio was renamed Punnett Hall, in honour of Margaret Punnett. A founding leader of the Institute of Education, Margaret served as vice-principal for the IOE, taking on the bulk of lecturing and the welfare of women’s students as the institute found its feet. As two pillars of the Institute’s history, Margaret and 20 Bedford Way are linked forever with this well-earned christening.
Punnett Hall sits adjacent to Logan Hall, providing ample space for dressing rooms, exhibitions and lectures. Like our other venues, it comes with a flexible layout and a range of facilities to suit your event. Visit our Punnett Hall page here.
Our past events
Over the years, we’ve played host to many memorable events, with a number of famous faces gracing our stage. From cultural talks featuring the biggest names in psychology, critical thinking and journalism to stand-out stand-up comedy shows with the likes of Jim Jefferies and Milton Jones, 20 Bedford Way serves a wide range of audiences.
This is what makes hosting an event at 20 Bedford Way so exciting. Imagine welcoming your attendees to a venue previously utilised by David Attenborough and Sir Stephen Hawking.
Thinking of putting on your own conference, training session or cultural event? We have a range of blogs to help you with everything from creating an event brief to planning your next corporate conference.
Looking to the future
Since 2016, 20 Bedford Way has been going through a major modernisation project, which has only recently come to a close in 2023. This work has sought to refurbish and expand key rooms within the building.
Today, making 20 Bedford Way sustainable and ensuring the space can be enjoyed by generations to come is at the top of our agenda. We take our approach to making 20 Bedford Way a green event venue very seriously, both in how we deliver our events and how we operate on a day-to-day basis.
We’re working to ensure the sustainability of our events through:
- Providing low-carbon and eco-friendly catering services
- Reducing the volume of single-use plastics used on the grounds of 20 Bedford Way
- Utilising recycled paper
- Providing guidance on sustainable travel options to our visitors
As part of the UCL estate, 20 Bedford Way is governed by an ambitious sustainability strategy which includes the following targets to be achieved by 2024:
- To become a net-zero carbon building
- To become a single-use plastic-free campus
- To reduce waste per person by 20%
- To become a net zero institution by 2030, this includes procurement food and travel
Be a part of 20 Bedford Way’s History
Eager to experience the history of 20 Bedford Way or be a part of it yourself? Whether it’s hiring any of our spaces, conference halls or meeting rooms, or simply admiring the architecture, please contact our team on 020 7612 6143.
