Walking home from the Prince Charles Cinema I found myself passing this imposing slab of a white building. It’s most striking: I could describe it as the albino lovechild of a church and Battersea Power Station. Then I saw a sign with the word ‘museum’, and since I’m in reviewing things mode I thought ‘why not?’ If it’s free I’ll pretty much do it. And, even though I wouldn’t have said freemasons were an interest of mine, I’m actually really glad I did.

This is a little different from most museums. For a start you are expected to report to reception, sign a visitors’ book and wear a visitor badge. Once that’s done they let you make your way upstairs on your own though! The library and museum are two rooms on the first floor. I was impressed to see a couple of humorous cartoons about masons on the wall on the way, they obviously don’t believe in being pompous about things. You get to the library first. It’s a room full of old books that seem to be largely minutes of mason’s meetings. There’s also some display cases. The next room is the museum proper.

The ‘treasures’ contained here cover a real range. There’s pottery, glass, silver, scrimshaw and more. Furniture and swords. And aprons. Lots of nicely embroidered aprons. That there was money around is pretty evident. Many of the items on display have Masonic themes, but that’s not always true, and they cover such a range. One piece that caught my eye was a silver menu holder in the shape of the Rock of Gibraltar. You don’t see many of them.

They also have a shop where you can buy your own apron, Christmas wrapping paper with Masonic theme, or books, including ‘Masonry for Dummies’. Seriously, I’m not kidding, it exists. From a quick flip through it didn’t have as many diagrams as their computer books… Oh yes, and I should add that everyone seemed friendly. I had a good natter with the doorman on my way out. I’d arrived late in the day, but I learnt that you can get a guided tour of the Temple itself. I’m planning on going back sometime.

You see, for me the most amazing thing about my visit, and the reason why I have to give this place five stars, is not the library or the museum, it’s the building itself. If you love Art Deco drop everything and run down there. It’s amazing. Apart from a few emergency exit signs everything is original, even in the loos. Lots of marble, glass, metalwork, lamps and painted ceilings, all in amazing Deco designs. I was staring at the ceilings wherever I went. I can’t wait to return and see more.