66 Portland Place
Paddington, London W1B
UK
Late night programme of talks, film, events and more exploring the great post-war battles for Britain’s historic architecture.
In the middle of the 20th century Britain’s historic buildings were under attack. Whether via aerial bombardment, visionary zeal or the planners’ bulldozers, the fabric of our towns and cities were changing and the battle lines of our modern heritage movement were drawn. RIBA hosts an evening devoted to the stories, fired passions and key figures behind the fight for Britain’s historic architecture and their legacy today.
FULL PROGRAMME
All events are free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Workshop
London Lost & Found
6– 8.15pm
Capture and share your memories of London’s vanished spaces and places in a postcard to the past. With Liam O’Connor, V&A Artist in Residence
Tours
Evocations of 66 Portland Place
6.30 – 7.15pm , 7.00 – 7.45pm , 7.30 – 8.15pm
Discover the architecture and stories behind our fabulous 1934 building, one of the UK’s best examples of Art Deco and a structure that continues to captivate many.
Talks
Out of the Ashes – Heritage!
6.30 – 7.00pm
Historian and author, Elain Harwood charts the origins of the modern heritage movement through the people and campaigners that dodged bombs and battled bulldozers to save our best buildings.
Outraging! – Ian Nairn
7.10 – 7.40pm
Nairn biographer Gillian Darley charts the rise and rise of one of Britain’s most passionate and outspoken critics of post war modernism and his vocal journeys around the UK.
Beauty Under Fire – John Betjeman
7.50 – 8.20pm
Through prose and verse, The Betjeman Society Chair Edward Wild explores the architectural battles fought, lost and won by one of Britain’s best loved poets, broadcasters and campaigners.
Quiz
The Great Historic Architecture Quiz
Available from 6pm with ‘live’ rounds 8.30 – 9.40pm
How well do you know Britain’s historic architecture? Are you a heritage hero or buildings blunderer? Grab your friends, form teams and join us for a fast paced quiz exploring our architectural heritage for the chance to win exclusive prizes! Hosted by Daisy Froud and the AOC.
Films
The Beauty That Was Bradford (1967)
On loop between 6.00 – 9.45pm
Presented by Ian Nairn, this film explores the Victorian glories of the great northern city and charts its post war reconstruction, which in Nairn’s opinion, was an utter failure. Courtesy of the BBC.
‘Architects of England’ (1941) & ‘The Development of the English Town’(1942)
On loop between 6.00 – 9.45pm
Taken from the British Council’s Film Archive, these two films together take us on a journey through the ages, exploring the rich heritage of English architecture and planning through the centuries. Courtesy of British Council.
Exhibition
Ordinary Beauty: The Photography of Edwin Smith
6.00 – 10.00pm
Hailed by Sir John Betjeman as a ‘genius at photography’ Edwin Smith was one of the UK’s foremost photographers. This new exhibition charts his life and the landscapes and buildings he captured.
Exhibition
Tall Storeys Evolution in Hong Kong Architecture 1965 – 2014
6.00 – 10.00pm
Organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) this new exhibition presents the story of Hong Kong and the evolution of its distinct building approach from 1965 to the present day.
Bar/café and Live Music
From 6.00pm – music until 8.20pm and last orders at the bar 9.40pm.
Late Tuesday – part of the season of events inspired by the exhibition Ordinary Beauty: The Photography of Edwin Smith.
Image: Credited as ©Edwin Smith / RIBA Library Photographs Collection