Art, Architecture & Legacy: Celebrating 80 Years of 2TG

To mark 80 years since the founding of 2 Temple Gardens Chambers (2TG), we are proud to unveil a specially commissioned series of artworks by acclaimed landscape artist Wendy Brooke-Smith.

The works are a creative tribute to our history, our home, and the diverse community that defines who we are today.

The unveiling was part of a wider programme of events and activities celebrating our 80th anniversary. The drinks reception, hosted in Chambers by Head of Chambers, Bradley Martin KC, and senior barrister and friend of the artist, Christopher Russell, brought together members, colleagues, and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to the future of Chambers.

The new artworks include two striking, large-scale charcoal drawings of the Middle Temple arch, one of the building’s most architecturally rich features, and a panoramic diptych painting of the River Thames, inspired by reference photography taken from the Oxo Tower. Now installed in our newly refurbished meeting rooms, these pieces are visually impactful and deeply rooted in the landscape and architecture that surround Chambers.

More than a reflection of place, the works also embody the spirit of variety and openness that characterises 2TG today. With a broad and balanced practice, supported by a membership enriched through diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, we believe this variety is instrumental to our success.

Bradley Martin KC, Head of Chambers, said:

“We wanted to mark our 80th anniversary with something lasting and meaningful – something that reflects who we are, not just where we are. Wendy’s work responds beautifully to both the physical and cultural space of Chambers. It is a powerful celebration of tradition, but also of the diversity, energy, and talent that define us today.”

For Wendy Brooke-Smith, the commission presented an exciting opportunity to explore the tension between historic architecture and the ever-changing flow of the city around it.

“From my first visit to 2TG, I knew I wanted to respond to the powerful sense of place”, Wendy shared. “The archway is extraordinary in its detail. You can lose yourself in its ornamentation and structure. And the view from the Oxo Tower gave me a fresh perspective on the Thames.”

Together, these pieces offer a lasting tribute to the place 2TG occupies, both geographically and within the wider legal profession. They speak to our heritage and environment, as well as the values of excellence, inclusivity, and breadth of expertise that we continue to uphold.

We thank Wendy Brooke-Smith for her inspiring contribution to this special moment in our story, and all those who have joined us in recent weeks to celebrate 80 years of 2TG.