New book: Brutal North by Simon Phipps
If your Christmas list is already taking shape, then you might want to consider adding in Brutal North by Simon Phipps.
Why? Well, that depends on your love of brutalism I guess. If you live in the north of England, all the better, but anyone with a love of this kind of architecture is likely to appreciate it.
The full title is Brutal North: Post-War Modernist Architecture in the North of England, with the book being the first photographic exploration of modernist and Brutalist architecture across the region.
According to the preview:
During the post-war years, the North of England saw the building of some of the most aspirational, enlightened and successful modernist architecture in the world. For the first time, a single photographic book captures those buildings, in all their power and progressive ambition.
Over the last few years, acclaimed photographer Simon Phipps has travelled and sought out the publicly commissioned architecture of the post-war North.
From Newcastle’s Byker Wall Estate, voted the best neighbourhood in the UK, to the extraordinary Park Hill Estate in Sheffield, from Preston’s sweeping bus station and Liverpool’s Royal Insurance Building, these structures have seen off threats to their survival and are rightly celebrated for the imprint they leave upon the skyline and the cultural life of their cities.
This inspiring invitation to explore northern modernism includes maps and detailed information about all the architecture photographed.
All of which sounds very appealing. I can’t say for sure that it is as I’ve just asked for it for my birthday! I’ll be able to give you a personal view in a matter of weeks. But if you want a copy of the 208-page hardback book now it is available discounted at Amazon for £12.75.
