The Return of the Past: New show explores Postmodernism in British Architecture

Head over to Sir John Soane's Museum this summer and you'll discover the first-ever exhibition completely devoted to Postmodernist British Architecture.

Jeremy and Fenella Dixon, St Mark’s Road, London, 1979. Credit: Dixon Jones Architects

Jeremy and Fenella Dixon, St Mark’s Road, London, 1979. Credit: Dixon Jones Architects

Specifically looking at its early "radical moment" during the late 1970s and early 1980s, you'll be able to see pivotal works by some of the movement’s most important architects: Terry Farrell, CZWG, Jeremy Dixon, John Outram, and James Stirling.

The show, which runs until 26 August 2018, will take a closer look at how Postmodernism emerged as a reaction to the effects of modernism on British towns and cities, and also as a way of moving beyond its intellectual and stylistic confines.

The gallery states: "In contrast to Modernism’s underlying mission of using architecture to bring about an idealised future, the exhibition seeks to show how Postmodernism in Britain was characterised by an interest in reconnecting architecture to the past, and the various means by which this was achieved: whether through ornament, materials, form or typology."

Projects featured include Terry Farrell’s SIS Building, Vauxhall and TVam, Camden; the Cascades and China Wharf by CZWG; Jeremy and Fenella Dixon’s St Mark’s Road, Kensington and the Royal Opera House scheme by Jeremy Dixon BDP and later Dixon Jones BDP; No. 1 Poultry James Stirling Michael Wilford; and the Isle of Dogs Storm Water Pumping Station and the New House, Wadhurst Park by John Outram.

The Return of the Past: Postmodernism in British Architecture at Sir John Soane's Museum in London runs until 26 August 2018. Entry is free. Find out more at www.soane.org.

Jeremy Dixon, St Marks Road: self- portrait model, 1980. Credit: Jeremy Dixon

Jeremy Dixon, St Marks Road: self- portrait model, 1980. Credit: Jeremy Dixon

CZWG Architects, Cascades, London, 1988. Credit: John and Jo Peck

CZWG Architects, Cascades, London, 1988. Credit: John and Jo Peck

CZWG Architects, China Wharf, London, 1988. Credit: John and Jo Peck

CZWG Architects, China Wharf, London, 1988. Credit: John and Jo Peck

Terry Farrell, TV-am, Camden 1981–82. Credit: Richard Bryant / Arcaid

Terry Farrell, TV-am, Camden 1981–82. Credit: Richard Bryant / Arcaid

Terry Farrell, SIS Building, London, completed 1994. Credit: Nigel Young

Terry Farrell, SIS Building, London, completed 1994. Credit: Nigel Young

Share

Get the best of Creative Boom delivered to your inbox weekly