160 pages, paperback, 265 x 196 mm, 100 illustrations
PRICE: £20.00
ISBN: 978 0 952975 58 8
This latest publication from The Twentieth Century Society covers many aspects of the architecture and designs of the 1930s, from the influence of sculpture and photography, through the work of iconic architechts like Lubetkin, to the impact of new housing models on their inhabitants.
Setting the context is a hitherto unpublished essay by Nikolaus Pevsner, originally written as part of a text on British Architecture for the Architecture Review in 1939, but which never appeared. It is a highly perceptive early assessment of the modern movement in Britain, from the man who did much to champion it. Other topics include modernism and tradition in British sculpture, architectural photography, the design of schools, the work of Sir Owen Williams, of Lubetkin and of Ladun, and housing.
Sarah Charlton is Head of Royal Horticultural Society Books. Alan Powers has recently published The Modern Movement in Britain (2005). Nikolaus Pevsner was the author of the famous The Buildings of England series. Contrubutors: Chris Stephens, curator at Tate Modern; Robert Elwall, Curators of Photographs, RIBA; Denis Clarke Hall, architect, winner of the 1937 News Chronicle schools competition; Royston Foor; John Allan, restoration architect, author of two books on Lubetkin; Elizabeth Darling, University of Brighton; Barnabus Calder.
“I am not a modernist but ... I agree with the modernists in every way except that I think their brand of modernism is not very good.” Raymond Erith looked to achieve what he called the true “economy of means”, using traditional means to create original buildings with progressive ideas behind them. More
The lagoon in which the city of Venice rises is no more than a few thousand years old - not much older than the city itself. And it may not last another hundred, such is the damage that not only the city but also the lagoon have suffered during the twentieth century. This book succinctly examines the severe threat from human intervention and incursions on the one hand and on the other from climate change and natural erosion, and the oprions for the future. More
The necropolis of Shah-e Zende at Samarkand represents a summit in the art of ceramic wall coverings in the Islamic world. Despite the recent increase of interest in this region, this book is the first study to describe these monuments in all detail of their decoration and its techniques and motifs, as well as the different types of ceramics used and their composition. More
The architectural writings, recordings and films of the poet Sir John Betjeman (1906-1984) are here celebrated in this catalogue accompanying a major exhibition at Sir John Soane's Museum. Marking the centenary of Betjeman's birth, the catalogue and exhibitions will bring together rare archive material, both photographic and textual, in celebration of his life-long passion for architecture. More
This book presents an overview of the restoration Venice has undergone in the last two hundred years. It is a mistake to think that Venice has been preserved in aspic. A great deal changed after the Fall of the Republic in 1797, and continues to change. Having read this book, you will never look upon Venice’s streets, houses and canals in the same way again. More
The Unesco World Heritage site of Lalibela in Ethiopia is one of the most extraordinary places in the world. It contains thirteen churches, all of them hewn or carved from the native tufa rock in imitation of buildings. This is the first book to consider this extraordinary site in all its many dimensions – historical and cultural, archaeological, architectural, art historical and documentary. It is, not least, a fascinating detective story! More
Lucca's location has meant the city has always been able to adapt itself to the various historical cycles. Though undoubtedly affected by the spirit of each age, Lucca's culture and institutions remain deeply rooted in the traditions and character of its people. More