Demolishing Modernism
Both revered and reviled, modernist architecture divides opinion in the UK. Despite being recognised as an important architectural movement, many examples have been demolished. I've created an illustrated tribute to the modernist buildings we’ve lost, with help from the The Twentieth Century Society, who have very kindly helped me with sourcing the images and accompanying information on every building.
“As a society we tend to under-value the architectural accomplishments of the preceding generation, but in time the most loathed and deeply unfashionable buildings can end up both loved and listed. It’s hard to remember just how reviled Victorian Gothic once was, now that St. Pancras, which was only saved by the efforts of John Betjeman and the Victorian Society, is a treasured masterpiece and a glamorous hotel. Good 20th century architecture is losing out to more easily understood building periods such as Victorian and Georgian when it comes to the increasing pressures for redevelopment. But these buildings are a valuable legacy which add to the richness of the fabric of our architectural heritage and the best examples should be safeguarded for future generations. Sadly this is just not happening. These buildings formed the background to our everyday lives and their absence will impoverish us all.” Catherine Croft, Director of the Twentieth Century Society
Each illustration was displayed together with a piece of copy that described its lifespan and its unfortunate demolition.
Client: GoCompare
Coverage: The Guardian, Archinect, The Independent, Fast Company and more.
