This in from Vectis Decorative and Fine Arts Society, in their own words. Disclaimer: We’re big fans of brutal Modernist architecture. Ed
Vectis Decorative and Fine Arts Society Lectures return later this week with a lecture about the post-war development of a typical English town.
Rupert Willoughby will be asking what motivated the planners who imposed the absurdities of Modernist architecture on our landscape? Hilarity is guaranteed.
Renowned for its dullness, Basingstoke is distinguished only by its numerous roundabouts and absurd Modernist architecture.
Rupert explains that the post-war planners, who inflicted such features as ‘the Great Wall of Basingstoke’ on the town, were politically-motivated and bent on destroying all traces of its past.
He reveals the nobler Basingstoke that is buried beneath the concrete, and the few historic gems that have survived the holocaust. Hilariously told, it is a story that neatly illustrates the ugliest episode in England’s architectural history. As Betjeman wrote prophetically, ‘What goes for Basingstoke goes for most English towns’
Lecture takes place on Thursday 16th January at Medina Theatre. As usual, doors open at 7.15pm. Tea, coffee and bar are available before the lectures which begin at 8.00pm. We ask you to be seated by 7.55pm. They finish at approximately 9.15-9-30pm Guests are welcome at a cost of £7 and £2 for students.
