London’s brutal designs

Author explores capital’s landmarks

SOME consider them an eyesore, others will say they are important landmarks of the capital’s skyline.

A selection of buildings in Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea feature prominently in a new book examining Brutalist architecture in the capital.

Not only are they visually striking, but many act as a historical representation of the era in which they were built.

Brutal London is a photographic exploration of the post-war modernist architecture of London by Simon Phipps.

Among the structures in his book are Trellick House – perhaps one of the most well known examples of the style of architecture – in Notting Hill, and several others from west London.

It also includes well known buildings such as The Barbican and Thamesmead.

West London is represented by Malabar Court in India Way, White City , Holmefield House in Kensal Road, Ladbroke Grove, World’s End Estate in Chelsea and a Grade II listed property in Kensington Place, Notting Hill.

Brutalist grew in popularity in the post-war modernist and flourished from the 1950s to 1970s.

It is famed for its imposing form, heavylooking material and unusual shapes and ruggedness.

The Brutal London blurb reads: “The raw concrete and imposing mass of Brutalist architecture is undeniably part of the fabric of London’s landscape – both visual and social – and part of our urban history.”

The book is available to but from www.september publishing.org/product/ brutal-london.

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