THE Bloomsbury home of the Trades Union Congress could have its historic courtyard protected from the elements by a new roof.

Built in 1957, the TUC headquarters in Great Russell Street is Grade II-listed and is a celebrated piece of British Modernist architecture by David du R Aberdeen. 

The application would see a new glass and steel roof built over an existing courtyard, to stop water seeping into the institute’s conference hall beneath. 

The courtyard floor is made up of 172 hexagonal glass tiles and acts as a roof for the hall. But problems with the design have lead to leaks, and an engineer’s report says the most foolproof option is to put a new roof over the area that was previously open to the elements.

The courtyard is home to a soaring sculpture by celebrated artist Jacob Epstein, and the new roof would offer extra protection. Originally set against a backdrop of Genoa green marble – since replaced by a mosaic – and hewn from a 10-ton block of Roman stone, the work was a war memorial commemorating the sacrifices of trade unionists in the two world wars. 

A TUC spokesman said: “The design still serves us brilliantly after more than 50 years. But the hexagonal glass roof lights above the conference centre, has long caused problems with leaks. The new plan would put a high level transparent canopy across the top of the building. This would shelter the whole central area which is currently open to the elements, but is also the location of our famous Epstein sculpture that was specially commissioned for the building.

“Sadly it’s been suffering the effects of the weather and London’s pollution. The new canopy will give it the protection it needs.”