Lambeth Architecture: a brave new world, 1945-65
Lambeth Architecture: a brave new world, 1945-65, Edmund Bird and Fiona Price, photographer: John East, London Borough of Lambeth and Lambeth Local History Forum, 2014, 172 pages, colour illustrations, softback.
Lambeth suffered extensive bomb damage during the second world war, and was a focus for reconstruction in the post-war period. The birth of the welfare state heralded the age of modernist architecture, manifested above all in a huge public housing programme planned in the face of an unparalleled housing crisis. In 1951 the Festival of Britain brought international attention to Lambeth, and introduced a simple and joyful architecture that spoke of better opportunities for the borough’s citizens. The legacy of this ‘brave new world’ is the subject of the third book in a series written by Fiona Price and IHBC member Edmund Bird on the architecture of Lambeth in the 20th century. Following an introduction that outlines the social history of the 20-year post-war period, the book acts as a gazetteer, structured under building types. Housing forms the bulk of the entries, but there are significant sections on education, public and institutional buildings, ecclesiastical and public art, and sculpture. Each building is illustrated by fine photographs by John East which, with the informed text, are an incentive to explore this lesser-known area of London.
This article originally appeared in IHBC's Context 162 (Page 58), published by The Institute of Historic Building Conservation in November 2019.
--Institute of Historic Building Conservation
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- British post-war mass housing.`
- Clapham One.
- Conservation.
- Demolishing Modernism: Britain's lost post-war gems.
- Garden Bridge.
- Healthy planning policy and monitoring in Southwark and Lambeth.
- IHBC articles.
- Nuclear Dawn mural, Brixton.
- Post-war rebuilding.
- SIS Building.
- The Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC Virtual School 19 June: Heritage Reflections & Speculations from a Pandemic
How the current pandemic will shape historic urban areas and their surrounding communities across the globe is impossible to tell. Join us to reflect on the implications for our current approaches to caring for valued places, and even speculate on future strategies and responses.
Risk Assessments and Contractual Impact from CIAT
A note on contractual obligations under the current COVID-19 pandemic has been issued by The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists(CIAT).
RTPI calls on government to issue planning guidance to prevent development delays
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has called on the government to urgently issue planning guidance to prevent unnecessary delays to development from the pandemic.
How to Enjoy Heritage from Home, from the Heritage Fund
The Heritage Fund has put together a list of heritage-inspired activities to be done from home.
Listed Property Owners Club’s Spring Checklist for Buildings
Spring is a good time to stand back and consider any building repairs that are required over the next 12 months, notes the LPOC, and regular inspection and maintenance is the key to keeping homes in good repair, as per its accessible step-by-step guidance.
Firefighters tackle blaze at converted Grade II listed former mill
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said “rapid and effective firefighting” had saved three quarters of the mill – which is now apartments.
Thieves take advantage of lockdown to steal lead from church roof in Halsham
Police have appealed for witnesses after thieves stole lead from the roof of All Saints Church in Halsham near Hedon during the coronavirus lockdown.
IHBC's CPD Circular provides info on digital CPD opportunities
The regular newsletter showcases the IHBC’s own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) content as well as online opportunities from ‘IHBC Recognised CPD Providers’ and other conservation related training and events.
Frank Lloyd Wright houses offer virtual tours
To make sure the public still has access to twelve of those famous works, #WrightVirtualVisits has been launched, which offers virtual tours of 12 iconic houses.
CIC’s Coronavirus Digest review and survey
The Construction Industry Council’s (CIC’s) ‘CIC Coronavirus Digest – Issue 8’ surveys the latest government advice with updates from the construction industry.
COVID-19: Advice and Updates collated from the Heritage Sector
Organisations with conservation links have been collating resources on COVID-19 impacts, including Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), Historic Environment Forum, The Heritage Alliance (THA), and Historic England, on cleaning surfaces.
Councils considering ‘executive powers’ as measures to avoid planning gridlock
Councils are reported to be considering taking up rarely-used executive powers to keep the planning and development system moving during the coronavirus pandemic.
Historic England provides updated flood recovery advice
Historic England's 'After a Flood' provides timely advice on how to dry walls properly and avoid further damage to the building fabric.
Conservation of Timber Buildings: an example of evolving conservation techniques
Context Issue 162 offers a peek into an archive of timber conservation history through the records of the practice of FWB and Mary Charles Chartered Architects.