Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Visit to St Pancras Station
There is to be a visit to the new St Pancras Station Building followed by an illustrated talk by Alastair Lansley - the architect responsible for the reconstruction of the station on Tuesday 9 September - 4.00 to 6.00pm.The visit will take the form of a meeting adjacent the newly constructed west wall of the Station followed by a walk through of the terminal building before meeting up in the German Gym on Pancras Road (almost opposite the main entrance to the International Terminal). This is where the talk will take place.
There are still a few places available for this event which is being shared with the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers who gave the St Pancras Building their 2008 Award for Brickwork.
Please contact the Clerk if you are interested in joining the group.
Monday, 21 July 2008
Company Trip to Dresden
The Master Elect has arranged an excellent weekend trip to Dresden for the weekend of Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 September.Costs and details of the general arrangements have been sent out but it was thought that the attached pictures taken by Ian Head on his reconnaissance trip last month might help whet the appetite.
Centrally located 3 Star hotel accommodation has been arranged and there is a choice of either rail or BA flights available for the journey.
Athough Dresden is thought of as a Baroque city (and the recently restored Frauenkirche Church of Our Lady is a highlight of a visit) the Renaissance has also left its mark. There are a number of Historicist buildings (the Staatskanzlei and the Hygiene School) and the Modernists and Post-Modernists have made an impact. Important contemporary structures include the new Synagogue (Rena Wandel-Hoefer and Wolfgang Lorch 2001), Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory (2001), the Saxon State Parliament and New Terrace, the UFA Kristallpalast Cinema (Coop Himmelbau) and the Saxon State Library. The new railway station boasts a Norman Foster roof and Daniel Libeskind changed the structure of the Military History Museum by placing a wedge through the historicist Arsenal building. For those interested in the genre, there are the Stalinist housing developments.
There is much to see and do. Dresden has some 13,000 ‘cultural monuments’ and 8 districts covered by ‘general preservation orders’. There may well be shops (for those who need to know these things), restaurants and opera houses.
Picture here are (top) The Frauenkirche; (left) Volkswagen's Invisible Factory' and (above) the Meissen frieze . Below - The Elbe River
Early booking is advised to ensure that hotel and flights are available at what is a popular time of the year
Installation Court Lunch
The Installation Court is to be held on Tuesday 16 September in Salters' Hall, Fore Street, EC2. The Hall, designed by Sir Basil Spence with interiors by David Hicks is a new venue for the Company. The lunch - the first function of the new Master's year - will also have a slightly different format in that the response to the toast to the guests will be made in the form of an illustrated talk by the noted Maltese Architect and Artist, Richard England. It is customary at this function to aim for an early finish but it was felt that the offer of the slide show was too good to miss.
Richard gained his early experience in the Milan office of Gio Ponti but has since run his highly successful practice from Malta He regards his work, substantially in concrete, as being 'evolutionary rather than revolutionary seeking connections in time and space and recognizing the importance of 'the spirit of place''.
Notices have been sent out to members and early booking is called for as the event is likely to be popular.
Richard gained his early experience in the Milan office of Gio Ponti but has since run his highly successful practice from Malta He regards his work, substantially in concrete, as being 'evolutionary rather than revolutionary seeking connections in time and space and recognizing the importance of 'the spirit of place''.
Notices have been sent out to members and early booking is called for as the event is likely to be popular.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
And more from the Election Court Dinner
Having presented Livery and Freedom certificates at the meeting of the Court, the Master seemed to spend a considerable amount of the evening in the splendour of Carpenters' Hall (shown below) presenting things.
Firstly, he was pleased to present a donation to the Architects Benevolent Society which was received by the ABS Secretary Keith Robinson (below left)
Next up was a donation to the Tower RNLI Lifeboat Station - the proceeds from the lunchtime event held on the SB Ardwina in mid June which had been addressed by the Station Manager Janet Kelly who accepted the donation (see below)
Robert Gershoff's photographs were taken on behalf of the Architects Benevolent Society.
The Reverend Prebendary David Burgess - the Rector of St Lawrence Jewry - has been the Company's Honorary Chaplain for over 20 years. He has announced his retirement for his City post and looks forward to a quiet retirement. On behalf of all members of the Company the Master wished him well for the future and presented him with a copy of a most worthy architectural tome - 'Twentieth Century Architecture - a Visual History' edited by Company member Professor Dennis Sharp. Hopefully this will go some way to helping David feel more comfortable about contemporary buildings following his well-merited side swipe at the buildings which he has seen erected in Gresham Street since he took up his post at St Lawrence Jewry. He felt that the only survivors from 20 odd years ago were a couple of Livery Halls. David is photographed with the Master below.
The final presentation of the evening was of the Company's annual award for the outstanding contribution to the Architects Benevolent Society. This is judged by the officers of the ABS assisted by the Master from nominations received from architects and others. It takes the form of a ceramic platter decorated by a prominent architect - this year by Eric Parry RA. Two plates are decorated - one going to the winner, the other being held as part of a set by the ABS on behalf of the Company pending the time when they have somewhere to display what will be a valuable collection. The award is pictured below along with its recipient - Colin Morse receiving the award from the Master.
The citation for the award reads as follows:
Firstly, he was pleased to present a donation to the Architects Benevolent Society which was received by the ABS Secretary Keith Robinson (below left)
Next up was a donation to the Tower RNLI Lifeboat Station - the proceeds from the lunchtime event held on the SB Ardwina in mid June which had been addressed by the Station Manager Janet Kelly who accepted the donation (see below)
Robert Gershoff's photographs were taken on behalf of the Architects Benevolent Society.
The Reverend Prebendary David Burgess - the Rector of St Lawrence Jewry - has been the Company's Honorary Chaplain for over 20 years. He has announced his retirement for his City post and looks forward to a quiet retirement. On behalf of all members of the Company the Master wished him well for the future and presented him with a copy of a most worthy architectural tome - 'Twentieth Century Architecture - a Visual History' edited by Company member Professor Dennis Sharp. Hopefully this will go some way to helping David feel more comfortable about contemporary buildings following his well-merited side swipe at the buildings which he has seen erected in Gresham Street since he took up his post at St Lawrence Jewry. He felt that the only survivors from 20 odd years ago were a couple of Livery Halls. David is photographed with the Master below.
The final presentation of the evening was of the Company's annual award for the outstanding contribution to the Architects Benevolent Society. This is judged by the officers of the ABS assisted by the Master from nominations received from architects and others. It takes the form of a ceramic platter decorated by a prominent architect - this year by Eric Parry RA. Two plates are decorated - one going to the winner, the other being held as part of a set by the ABS on behalf of the Company pending the time when they have somewhere to display what will be a valuable collection. The award is pictured below along with its recipient - Colin Morse receiving the award from the Master.
The citation for the award reads as follows:
'For fifty years the Architects Benevolent Society ran a model complex of sheltered housing for elderly architects at Frenchlands Hatch in
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Installation of three new liverymen by redemption
Simon Lincoln, Sarah Papworth and Giles Murphy are admitted to the livery at the court meeting on 8 July 2008.
Annual service and election court dinner - 8 July 2008
Cornwall in the City of London. Four fully-waved flags, courtesy of the Master for 2008, Jonathan Ball.
Canon Michael Bordeaux tells of religious revival in Russia from the pulpit of St. Lawrence Jewry.
In Carpenter's Hall, David Higgins tells of the Olympic Delivery Authority, while we contemplate the menu!
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Chocks Away
The visit organized by Stephen Wagstaffe to the North Weald Airfield Museum on 29 June was greatly enjoyed by those who made the Sunday pilgrimage to this corner of Essex. It was a great day out.
The day started with a visit to the Museum which has been installed in the former Station Office of RAF North Weald. Dubbed as the 'House of Memories' it is largely a memorial to the people - both service personnel and civilians - 'who ave lived, worked, flown, fought and died here since the airfield was opened during the Great war 1n 1916. It contains a fascinating collection of artifacts and highlights, among many other things, the role played by the airmen of other countries who played their part in the Battle of Britain and the remainder of WW2.
Stephen, who is the President of the Museum Trust, then took us on a tour of the airfield (the location for many famous films) getting us access into hangers where historic aircraft from a number of countries are being rebuilt by enthusiasts before taking us to the Squadron Flying Club for a buffet lunch.
Stephen's guidance, his driving of the community bus and his organization of what was a great day out were greatly appreciated. Past Master Michael West thanked him for all he had done.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Saturday, 28 June 2008
SUPPORT FOR THE RNLI
Thanks to the generosity of a number of people, the Company will be able to make a healthy donation to our' link regiment - the Royal Notional Lifeboat Institution - as the result of a relaxed lunch function on Friday 13 May. The event was held on board the Thames sailing barge the SB Ardwina moored in St Katherine's Dock.We are most grateful to the Directors of Rolfe Judd Group Planners for its use and to the powers that be for the excellent weather on the day.
The full complement (and how nice it was for the Clerk to have to open a waiting list) were treated to a generous meal and sufficient liquid refreshments to ensure good behaviour for an excellent talk given by Janet Kelly - Station Manager for the RNLI's Tower Lifeboat Station located at Victoria Embankment. Janet's talk took us through the history of the Station and its buildings, the important role they play on the Thames and the way in which the Station is both staffed and operated. It was informative and interesting and delivered with great style and good humour.
Thanks to Mark Groves of the Cook and the Butler - a regular caterer at out City functions - who provided the food and to Manager of the local branch of Waitrose who donated the drinks, virtually all the monies collected will be able to go as a donation to the RNLI which will be presented to Janet Kelly at the Election Court Dinner on Tuesday 8 July.
Thanks are also due to Michael Wilkey and David Penning for organizing the event and to Patricia Stefanowicz MW - the best barmaid in the business. A selection of volunteers were prepared to forego the charms of returning to their officers for the late Friday afternoon shift and did the washing up. For this , too, many thanks.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
A bit of controversy anyone?
Prominently displayed facing a full page advertisement for Marks and Spencer's line in ladies swimwear is the challenging headline 'Awards for best British buildings leave classicists out in the cold'. A sub headline notes that ,'The RIBA and the architectural profession are behaving like style facists'.
All this on the day that the RIBA is due to reveal the identity of the best new buildings of 2008 - effectively the list of candidates for the coveted Stirling Award.
Robert Adam notes that 'these awards are a con'. Julian Bicknell weighs in by accusing the Institute of 'self-imposed blindness' and notes that 'it is a tragedy that RIBA awards choose to ignore work done in supposedly traditional styles'.
The other side of the debate was put by experienced architectural judge Joanna van Heyningan who noted that 'there is no prejudice against classical architecture, there is a prejudice against poor architecture'.
While all this makes interesting reading for those who last the distance to page 8 in the Guardian, it does raise an interesting question. Despite the fact that most RIBA awards juries have an element of lay representation (and in my experience these representatives have not been backward in expressing opinions), are such awards too often chosen by architects and friends of architecture who are paid up members of the style facisti? Should not the odd classicist be included on the jury from time to time? Are the laity concerned that modern classical architecture is being spurned by the judges? How interested would the viewers of Grand Designs be were the subject to be a painstakingly crafted neo-classical mansion?
Your views and opinions will be welcome - I think.
All this on the day that the RIBA is due to reveal the identity of the best new buildings of 2008 - effectively the list of candidates for the coveted Stirling Award.
Robert Adam notes that 'these awards are a con'. Julian Bicknell weighs in by accusing the Institute of 'self-imposed blindness' and notes that 'it is a tragedy that RIBA awards choose to ignore work done in supposedly traditional styles'.
The other side of the debate was put by experienced architectural judge Joanna van Heyningan who noted that 'there is no prejudice against classical architecture, there is a prejudice against poor architecture'.
While all this makes interesting reading for those who last the distance to page 8 in the Guardian, it does raise an interesting question. Despite the fact that most RIBA awards juries have an element of lay representation (and in my experience these representatives have not been backward in expressing opinions), are such awards too often chosen by architects and friends of architecture who are paid up members of the style facisti? Should not the odd classicist be included on the jury from time to time? Are the laity concerned that modern classical architecture is being spurned by the judges? How interested would the viewers of Grand Designs be were the subject to be a painstakingly crafted neo-classical mansion?
Your views and opinions will be welcome - I think.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Scilly things in boats
When the Master suggested that there were numerous ways of getting to the Isles of Scilly for his weekend visit, not many of those who went envisaged wading ashore from a rubber dinghy.In fairness this is a group of the more intrepid members of the party paying a visit on the final day to the only island which had escaped invasion up to that point. Most members of the party managed the travel from the mainland on more or less the appointed day but some, the Master included, found the local weather conditions, a bit trying. Once there, the sun shone unremittingly and a good time was had by all.
Included in the attractions arranged by the Master was a shore call by the St Mary's RNLI Lifeboat seen below with its crew of Company members and under the (temporary) command of Past Master Lady Stewart who, she informed the photographer, advised that 'I have always wanted to do this'. As we were definitely tied / lashed / anchored or otherwise attached to the dock the whole time, there is no question that there should be a reference in the caption to fast ladies and their boats (or vice versa).
There were numerous other attractions - a fascinating talk on the history of the islands and their antiquities, visits in an open top bus to stone age village sites, a wonderful conducted tour around the rightly famed Tresco Abbey Gardens, a lunch in the recently built Flying Boat Club on Tresco and rather a lot of excellent food and drink including a glass or several of the ubiquitous, Cornish bubbly in the back garden of the Master's house on St Mary's.
A good selection of those local personalities who have appeared in 'The Island Parish' were spotted during the weekend along with several seals and puffins - a half dozen of the latter obliged with a fly past that the Red Arrows would have been pleased with.
Profuse thanks are due to the Master and Victoria as well as to our many local hosts who made the weekend such a memorable one.The Master, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Neptune- perched precariously above him, enjoying a quiet moment in Tresco Abbey Gardens
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Milo Lecture
The 2008 Peter Milo Memorial Lecture was given this year by British architect David Nixon a co-founder of the London office of Future Systems and currently the principal of Altus Associates in Los Angeles. He has been involved in the space field since 1984 and his office has carried out space and ground projects for clients such as NASA, the European Space Agency, McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace. It is no surprise that the topic of his excellently illustrated lecture was 'An Architect's Guide to the International Space Station'. This gave a very clear view of the design and technical issues which had to be resolved in the setting up of the space station and presented some truly amazing statistics.
In a radical shift away from the format of previous Milo lectures and, it must be said, the majority of Livery Company lectures, the lecture was given in Drapers' Hall and was the precursor to a wider event billed as Extreme Architecture II - A Space Odyssey. Spread through the duration of a 3 course black tie dinner were further illustrated talks by David Nixon on Britain's role in space exploration and Jonathan Firth of Virgin Galactic whose topic was Space for Everyone.In this he drew heavily on the proposals prepared (as a winning competition entry) by Foster and Partners for the inter-galactic space station in the USA. He also dealt with the visionary plans from the Virgin Group to make space travel (in Sir Richard Branson's words, 'the final frontier') a realistic possibility for anyone with an adequate bank balance in the near future.
There was to have been a third speaker - Australian Oceanographer and astronaut Dr Paul Scully-Power. Sadly, he was prevented from travelling as a result of a family bereavement. He did, none the less, allow the use of many of the photographs he took on his Challenger voyage and asked that a prepared statement be read to the assembled guests.
The evening was set up and compered by William Murray in great style.
In a radical shift away from the format of previous Milo lectures and, it must be said, the majority of Livery Company lectures, the lecture was given in Drapers' Hall and was the precursor to a wider event billed as Extreme Architecture II - A Space Odyssey. Spread through the duration of a 3 course black tie dinner were further illustrated talks by David Nixon on Britain's role in space exploration and Jonathan Firth of Virgin Galactic whose topic was Space for Everyone.In this he drew heavily on the proposals prepared (as a winning competition entry) by Foster and Partners for the inter-galactic space station in the USA. He also dealt with the visionary plans from the Virgin Group to make space travel (in Sir Richard Branson's words, 'the final frontier') a realistic possibility for anyone with an adequate bank balance in the near future.
There was to have been a third speaker - Australian Oceanographer and astronaut Dr Paul Scully-Power. Sadly, he was prevented from travelling as a result of a family bereavement. He did, none the less, allow the use of many of the photographs he took on his Challenger voyage and asked that a prepared statement be read to the assembled guests.
The evening was set up and compered by William Murray in great style.
New Blood
At the April Court Meeting held in Drapers' Hall yesterday the Master and Wardens were pleased to welcome the new Junior Liveryman - William Murray. William, a director of Wordsearch, was seen in action shortly after at the Company's Peter Milo Memorial Lecture which he organized and at which he acted as the Master of Ceremonies.
It is a fact that many of the indentured students of the Company have progressed through their respective undergraduate and post-graduate studies with seemingly uncomplicated ease. Further they have persuaded their Part 3 examiners that they are fit and proper persons to be admitted to the ranks of registered architects. This has left the Company will all too few student members. It was, therefore, a source of satisfaction to the Court to see two new students being, in the colourful terminology of the City, 'bound to their mentors for the remaining term of their studentships'.
The Master acceded to requests from Past Master Brian Waters and Assistant Dorian Crone that they allowed to introduce Dan Slavinsky and Daniel Malinki to the Company as indentured students. Both are currently working at CZWG having completed their part 1 courses at Nottingham and Kent Universities respectively.
Pictured below (from left to right) are Dorian Crone, William Murray, Daniel Malinki, Dan Slavinsky and Brian Waters under the watchful gaze (you'll have to believe me on this one) of the Duke of Wellington.
Friday, 11 April 2008
Coming Events
Friday 16 May to Monday 19 May
Master's Weekend Trip to Isles of Scilly
An interesting programme of events has been arranged including much local colour in the form of gig racing (strictly as a spectator sport), pub supper and singing as well as sightseeing on both St Mary's and Tresco where we will be shown round the famous Abbey Gardens and the recently opened Flying Boat Club with its collection of modern art. There will be a group dinner in St Mary's Hall Hotel and, weather permitting, a chance of a ride in an RNLI lifeboat.
Further details are available from the Clerk.
Friday 13 June - Lunch on SB Ardwina in St Katherine's Dock
The funds raised from this lunch will be given as a donation to the RNLI - it is hoped that Janet Kelly the Chief Officer of the Tower Lifeboat Station will, as our guest speaker, tell us something of the work done by what is the UK's busiest lifeboat station.
Monday 23 June - Committee Meetings at 77 Portland Place
Tuesday 24 June - Common Hall and Lunch at Farmers' & Fletchers' Hall
Sunday 29 June - Visit to North Weald Airfield Museum
This moderately priced visit which will be of interest to families will include a look around the airfiled and a bufet lunch in the Flying Club (formerly the Officers' Mess). Transport will be provided to get people fro Epping Station to the Museum. Further details are available from the Clerk.
Tuesday 8 July - Election Court Meeting, Annual Service and Election Court Dinner
The annual service will again be held at St Lawernce Jewry with the Dinner following at Carpenters' Hall. The Master has secured the services of David Higgins - the Chief Operating Officer of the Olympic Delivery Authority as his principal guest. As is customary, the Company will entertain two coxswains from its 'link regiment' - the RNLI at the dinner. On this occasion they will both come, happily, from the South West region. The Company's Fund Riasing Award for the Architects Benevolent Society will also be presented at the Dinner. Further details are available from the Clerk.
Monday 8 September - Committee Meetings
Tuesday 16 September - Installation Court and Lunch
The Meeting and lunch will, this year, be held at Salters' Hall. Further details are to follow.
Saturday 20, Sunday 21 September - Open House Weekend
Monday 29 September Common Hall for the Election of the Lord Mayor and Lunch
Details to follow
Saturday 8 November - Lord Mayor's Show
Wednesday 10 December - Annual Carol Service & Supper
We will once again join with the Furniture Makers' Company for thios popular and enjoyable occasion.
Master's Weekend Trip to Isles of Scilly
An interesting programme of events has been arranged including much local colour in the form of gig racing (strictly as a spectator sport), pub supper and singing as well as sightseeing on both St Mary's and Tresco where we will be shown round the famous Abbey Gardens and the recently opened Flying Boat Club with its collection of modern art. There will be a group dinner in St Mary's Hall Hotel and, weather permitting, a chance of a ride in an RNLI lifeboat.
Further details are available from the Clerk.
Friday 13 June - Lunch on SB Ardwina in St Katherine's Dock
The funds raised from this lunch will be given as a donation to the RNLI - it is hoped that Janet Kelly the Chief Officer of the Tower Lifeboat Station will, as our guest speaker, tell us something of the work done by what is the UK's busiest lifeboat station.
Monday 23 June - Committee Meetings at 77 Portland Place
Tuesday 24 June - Common Hall and Lunch at Farmers' & Fletchers' Hall
Sunday 29 June - Visit to North Weald Airfield Museum
This moderately priced visit which will be of interest to families will include a look around the airfiled and a bufet lunch in the Flying Club (formerly the Officers' Mess). Transport will be provided to get people fro Epping Station to the Museum. Further details are available from the Clerk.
Tuesday 8 July - Election Court Meeting, Annual Service and Election Court Dinner
The annual service will again be held at St Lawernce Jewry with the Dinner following at Carpenters' Hall. The Master has secured the services of David Higgins - the Chief Operating Officer of the Olympic Delivery Authority as his principal guest. As is customary, the Company will entertain two coxswains from its 'link regiment' - the RNLI at the dinner. On this occasion they will both come, happily, from the South West region. The Company's Fund Riasing Award for the Architects Benevolent Society will also be presented at the Dinner. Further details are available from the Clerk.
Monday 8 September - Committee Meetings
Tuesday 16 September - Installation Court and Lunch
The Meeting and lunch will, this year, be held at Salters' Hall. Further details are to follow.
Saturday 20, Sunday 21 September - Open House Weekend
Monday 29 September Common Hall for the Election of the Lord Mayor and Lunch
Details to follow
Saturday 8 November - Lord Mayor's Show
Wednesday 10 December - Annual Carol Service & Supper
We will once again join with the Furniture Makers' Company for thios popular and enjoyable occasion.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Space architecture - the Milo Lecture on Tuesday next
By way of advertising the next Milo lecture that is to be given on Tuesday next week, we offer three recent NASA images which tell how far the urbanism of space has progressed! Contact William Murray for tickets to the dinner and talk - cheap at £99.00.
Eat your heart out, 'Bladerunner'!
William Murray
Wordsearch
85 Clerkenwell Road
London
EC1R 5AR
TL: +44 (0)20 7269 0060
DD: +44 (0)20 7269 0070
FX: +44 (0)20 7831 2116
MO: +44 (0)771 245 4646
William Murray
Wordsearch
85 Clerkenwell Road
London
EC1R 5AR
TL: +44 (0)20 7269 0060
DD: +44 (0)20 7269 0070
FX: +44 (0)20 7831 2116
MO: +44 (0)771 245 4646
Monday, 17 March 2008
New City Architecture Award Presentation
The New City Architecture Award for 2007 was, as noted below, won by Foster + Partners for their new city office block complex at 51 Lime Street. The building was a joint development by The British Land Company Plc and Stanhope Plc and its Construction Management was by Mace Limited.
Pictured here receiving their Award Certificates from Alderman Sir David Brewer CMG - Lord Mayor Locum Tenens - at the Company's Annual Livery banquet at the Mansion House on Wednesday 12 March are (from left to right): Alderman Sir David Brewer, Ian Whitby of Foster+ Partners, Nick Moore of Mace, Andrew Highton of Stanhope, Richard Elliott of British Land and the Master of the Company, Jonathan Ball
Thursday, 13 March 2008
The annual dinner at the Mansion House
I am sure better pictures of last night's Grand Event will come soon, but these three pictures are the best that a Nokia 6233 phone can do by candlelight. The maestro on the banjo was incomparable...
...as was the grace recited in Cornish before the meal...
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
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