The Reform Club is located at 104 Pall Mall in London. A private ‘gentleman’s’ club, the Reform Club’s membership is exclusive to the prominent and well-educated from Great Britain and from around the world. Past members include such literary figures as Henry James, H. G. Wells, E. M. Foster, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Walking into the club, located in the heart of London’s ‘Clubland,’ one has to wonder why such an ornate and stately building is not open to the public. A design of the famous architect Charles Barry, the Reform Club boasts architectural styles from the Italian Renaissance—Corinthian columns, plenitude of marble statuary, ornate marble floor designs—which constitute a mood of elegance conducive to intellectual and social prowess. Other architectural designs of Barry’s include the Traveller’s Club (1832), Trafalgar Square (1840), the Cabinet Office (1845), and the Houses of Parliament (1834). Barry’s design complements the highbrow nature of this resplendent club. The current location came into use in 1841.
The Reform Club was formed by the Whig party and their radical allies to celebrate the victory of the Reform Act of 1832. Under the Prime Minister, Earl Grey, the Reform Bill of 1832 was passed in order to give middle-class men the right to vote. This was thought to be a way of checking and curbing the corruption of politicians who manipulated polls for political gain. This reform was favored by the Whigs and Radicals, but widely opposed by the Tories. The members of the Reform Club generally took a ‘liberal’ view of social and economic issues.
Because of the far-reaching consequences of the Reform Act, the Reform Club still requires its members to sign the Reform Bill, stating that he or she is in support of the bill. The Reform Club was the first such 'club' to welcome women members in the late 1960's.
As one enters the club and ascends the stairs, the view presented is one that appears to be quite stately. The main area is exposed to light through the open-lighted ceiling. This ceiling was the entry through which a bomb was dropped during the Nazi bombings of London during World War II. Suprisingly, minimal fire and smoke damage was done to the Club, with only a small fire and smoke damage to the library. It appears some tiles on the mosaic floor may have been damaged also by the bomb.
Seeing the many different rooms throughout the club, one has to be aware of the apparent importance the club bestows upon its exclusive membership. Rooms with chandeliers, old books, ornate mirrors, vast wooden panelling, marble columns, large mirrors, crystal glasses, silver and fine china, oriental rugs, carpeted staircases, and large, imposing, wooden doors all give the Reform Club an atmosphere of opulence.