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
Tim Forrest's E & A 