The London Traveler

The London Festival of Architecture starts in just over a month’s time. Looking at the activities planned, it should really have its title reshuffled a bit – it’s a Festival of London Architecture.

I’m particularly keen to find out more about the Skylon – a modernist, even futuristic pylon that stood on the South Bank as part of the Festival of Britain. It was every bit as much as symbol of the 1950s – a decade in which Britain emerged from rationing and greyness, a decade of optimism and modernist enterprise – as the Dome was of the late 90s. And it’s gone. (Though there is a campaign to rebuild it.)

The Festival’s not precious or pretentious – several of the events look really great fun. For instance there’s a pub quiz about London in film, held at Rich Mix on Bethnal Green Road. Enter your team now if you think you know your movies. I’ll be reviewing a book on London in film on this site, and featuring a few of the places from it – so you can do your homework on The London Traveler.

Much sillier is the Architectural Jelly Banquet. Has to be seen to be believed!

Over 600 separate events and exhibitions will be held during the Festival, so if you’ve always wanted to know more about the architecture of the metropolis, this is your chance.

Where – all over!

When – 20 June to 20 July

Photo credit – out of copyright (taken 1957) UK Government official photograph

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