DOI Heft:
Brangwyn, Frank: Editorial notes
DOI Seite / Zitierlink:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.41877#0039
EDITORIAL NOTES
HERE is some encouragement forthcoming at the present
time for those of us who hope to see good architecture
eventually occupy, in public estimation, the predominant
place to which it is entitled among the artistic activities of
the nation. The aspect of our streets is surely the concern
of everybody, and the addition of a well-designed building a
cause for general congratulation as deserving of attention and appreciation
as a fine picture or a notable book. It is a curious fact that, while the work
of artists, authors and musicians is freely commented upon by the press,
the appearance of a critical and informative article dealing with interesting
additions to our buildings, is a comparatively rare event. And yet these
buildings are ubiquitous in our every-day environment, and should interest
everybody. In time, perhaps, we may see adequate space devoted to an
art which, to the initiated, is one of the most fascinating expressions of
culture and civilization.
In the meantime much has been done to stimulate public interest, and
the invaluable efforts of such organizations as The Architecture Club
deserve grateful recognition. In March last the Club, continuing its
excellent policy, held its second exhibition at Grosvenor House, Upper
Grosvenor Street, and succeeded in bringing together an interesting and
illuminating collection of photographs, recording some of the most successful
recent achievements of English architects. The general standard of the
work shewn was high, and provided abundant evidence of distinguished
ability in the profession.
This exhibition was followed in May, by one at the Wembley Palace of
Arts, organized collectively by The Architecture Club and The Royal
Institute of British Architects. The result was creditable alike to promoters
and exhibitors, and must have produced a favourable impression on visitors
from abroad. Such enterprises should materially help the public to under-
stand and enjoy good design and, what is equally important, to create an
atmosphere of healthy discontent with bad work.
Our streets are still disfigured at times by the addition of lamentable
erections which the public tolerates with the indifference born of ignorance.
This indifference should, if possible, be dispelled. The man in the street
is always susceptible to the power of suggestion, and if the desirability of
beautiful surroundings is persistently brought to his attention he may, in
time, grasp the fact that he really is personally concerned in the matter.
•Afc &
■7V* •7V' W
Public attention has recently been focussed anew on housing problems by
the interesting scheme, sponsored by Lord Weir, for building so-called
“ steel houses,” that is to say, timber-framed buildings faced externally
with steel plates. The Minister of Health, Mr. Neville Chamberlain,
5
HERE is some encouragement forthcoming at the present
time for those of us who hope to see good architecture
eventually occupy, in public estimation, the predominant
place to which it is entitled among the artistic activities of
the nation. The aspect of our streets is surely the concern
of everybody, and the addition of a well-designed building a
cause for general congratulation as deserving of attention and appreciation
as a fine picture or a notable book. It is a curious fact that, while the work
of artists, authors and musicians is freely commented upon by the press,
the appearance of a critical and informative article dealing with interesting
additions to our buildings, is a comparatively rare event. And yet these
buildings are ubiquitous in our every-day environment, and should interest
everybody. In time, perhaps, we may see adequate space devoted to an
art which, to the initiated, is one of the most fascinating expressions of
culture and civilization.
In the meantime much has been done to stimulate public interest, and
the invaluable efforts of such organizations as The Architecture Club
deserve grateful recognition. In March last the Club, continuing its
excellent policy, held its second exhibition at Grosvenor House, Upper
Grosvenor Street, and succeeded in bringing together an interesting and
illuminating collection of photographs, recording some of the most successful
recent achievements of English architects. The general standard of the
work shewn was high, and provided abundant evidence of distinguished
ability in the profession.
This exhibition was followed in May, by one at the Wembley Palace of
Arts, organized collectively by The Architecture Club and The Royal
Institute of British Architects. The result was creditable alike to promoters
and exhibitors, and must have produced a favourable impression on visitors
from abroad. Such enterprises should materially help the public to under-
stand and enjoy good design and, what is equally important, to create an
atmosphere of healthy discontent with bad work.
Our streets are still disfigured at times by the addition of lamentable
erections which the public tolerates with the indifference born of ignorance.
This indifference should, if possible, be dispelled. The man in the street
is always susceptible to the power of suggestion, and if the desirability of
beautiful surroundings is persistently brought to his attention he may, in
time, grasp the fact that he really is personally concerned in the matter.
•Afc &
■7V* •7V' W
Public attention has recently been focussed anew on housing problems by
the interesting scheme, sponsored by Lord Weir, for building so-called
“ steel houses,” that is to say, timber-framed buildings faced externally
with steel plates. The Minister of Health, Mr. Neville Chamberlain,
5