Just heard –
NT London Goldfinger tour goes to Balfron Tower, courtesy Sophia Schorr-Kon
“Tickets are being released for 6 more days of tours, Friday to Sunday 17-19 and 24-26 October. Tours are on the hour, 11am to 4pm. Please note places on tours are ONLY available by booking in advance at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/london. To register interest in visiting with a local community or educational group please contact london@nationaltrust.org.uk.”
National Trust launches ‘pop-up’ opening of Brutalist tower block in Poplar, East London
NT London Goldfinger tour goes to Balfron Tower, courtesy Sophia Schorr-Kon
I am bringing this to your attention partly because I blogged about the celebrated modernist architect Ernö Goldfinger’s home 2 Willow Road, Hampstead earlier this year (10th April, 2014)but mostly because the Balfron Tower, like its younger sister the Trellick Tower in West London was designed by him. Examples of Brutalist architecture, they were a part of the architectural landscape of post-war Britain. Indeed Goldfinger wrote in a letter to the Guardian ‘the whole object of building high is to free the ground for children and grown-ups to enjoy Mother Earth and not to cover every inch with bricks and mortar.’
Flat 130 at Balfron Tower with National Trust London, courtesy Edward Haynes
In 1968 to prove his belief in the desirability of high rise living Goldfinger moved into Flat 130 for two months. For this very special limited, sold-out opening the designers Wayne and Tilly Hemingway have furnished it in the manner of a 1968 council flat.
Flat 130 at Balfron Tower with National Trust London, courtesy Edward Haynes
The building, which is being prepared for an extensive refurbishment, is owned by Poplar HARCA and National Trust London, who looks after 2 Willow Road, thought this provided a great opportunity to work with Bow Arts in association with Poplar HARCA as part of the Balfron Season and recreate a period flat.
Flat 130 at Balfron Tower with National Trust London, courtesy Edward Haynes
NT London Goldfinger tour goes to Balfron Tower, courtesy Sophia Schorr-Kon
RYAN GANDER: THE ARTISTS HAVE THE KEYS, 2 Willow Road, Hampstead, London NW3 1TH, until 2nd November 2014
View of the exterior of 2 Willow Road at night.
Credit ©National Trust Images, Dennis Gilbert
This is great fun for the noted artist Ryan Gander has created works which comfortably sit within the art collection, furniture and fittings with which the celebrated Hungarian-born architect Ernö Goldfinger furnished his Modernist home. Gander’s work was inspired by them and his self-assembly money box – Anyone with a family is motivated by money – uses the same slot-together technique that Elizabeth Goldfinger used for two lounge chairs.
Ryan Gander at 2 Willow Road
(courtesy Sam Roberts) 68
This project, supported by the Lisson Gallery, has allowed Gander to use his magpie approach in re-inventing objects to a great effect and you will have a fun time identifying those which he has created and those that were in the house originally.
Ryan Gander at 2 Willow Road
(courtesy Sam Roberts) 52
Goldfinger is best remembered for his post 2nd World War residential tower blocks, including the Trellick Tower (North Kensington) and the Balfron Tower (Poplar) both of which are fine examples of Brutalist architecture, not to mention an eponymous book and film!
Ryan Gander at 2 Willow Road
(courtesy Sam Roberts) 1
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/2-willow-road
Ryan Gander at 2 Willow Road
(courtesy Sam Roberts) 32
Tim Forrest's E & A 