AboutThis website has been created as an offshoot of the Central London section of the Modernism in Metro-Land website. Modernism in Metro-Land collects the art deco, modernist and brutalist buildings of the suburbs, whilst this website records those of Central and East London. The area covered includes the City of London and the boroughs of City of Westminster, Camden,Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Southwark and Tower Hamlets.
Adelaide House, King William Street (1925) by Burnet, Tait & Lorne.
Image from Amazon.co.uk
Before World War II, most art deco and modernist buildings in Central London tended to be prestige offices or apartment blocks, by firms such as Sir John Burnet, Tait & Lorne. There were also some smaller buildings like Finsbury Health Centre showing off the new International style modernism from the continent.
Following the war, modern building proliferated with new estates built throught the central and eastern parts of London.Created to replace the bomb damaged homes of Central and East London after World War 2, these homes became the figurehead for post war modernism and what became known as Brutalism. As well as housing, modernism made its presence felt in offices, churches, schools and other civic buildings that sprung up in the modernist, and increasing brutalist, style. Since the mid-1980's many of these buldings have demolished or redeveloped, this site aims to record these remarkable buildings and the role the played in 20th century London. |
Barbican Estate (1969-77) by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon. Image from Art & Architecure