Brutalist Britain: Buildings of the 1960s and 1970s by Elain Harwood
Lots of new books on the shelves, not least Brutalist Britain: Buildings of the 1960s and 1970s by Elain Harwood.
I presume so many because Christmas is looming (which means I need to update my 50 affordable gift ideas for architecture lovers) and let’s be honest, a lot of us would like a book to read over the festive period. I certainly do.
And if modern architecture if your thing, this is likely to be something to consider. Published by Batsford this week (13th October to be precise), this is a 304-page book featuring pretty much what the title implies – some of the finest British brutalism from the mid-20th century. Its ‘golden era’ if you like, when the style became a key part of
the post-war urban landscape.
As you would expect, the book mixes some stunning photography with the expertise of leading architectural writer Elain Harwood. You might recall Elain from similar overviews of Art Deco Britain and Mid-Century Britain, both of which are heavily discounted if you want to catch up.
Or have a look at this one, which is described as ‘an authoritative survey’ of the finest British examples from the very late 1950s to the 1970s. Iconic public buildings like London’s National Theatre, notable housing such as Trellick Tower in West London and Park Hill in Sheffield, educational institutions including the University of Sussex, and places of worship such as Liverpool’s glorious Metropolitan Cathedral, along with some lesser-known buildings like Arlington House on Margate’s sea front. Even brutalist sculptures and murals get in on the act.
All of which is accompanied by an introduction placing British brutalism within the context of global events and contemporary world architecture.
If you have an interest in the subject, this is certainly one for your wants or Christmas list.
As I said, out this week and available to order now, you can pick up a copy of the book for £25.
