NELSON STAIR

NELSON STAIR I also managed to photograph this stair in Somerset House this week. Its an absolutely bonkers staircase which combines a symmetrical pair of curving flights at the bottom, a bridge-like arch gracefully spanning the cylindrical space and then part of a spiral staircase. Dark and gloomy at the bottom but naturally top-lit as you ascend, it reflects the schizophrenic nature of the stair, where you have chefs, office workers, contractors and tourists enjoying this beautiful early 19th century stair simultaneously.