London has a scattering of beloved Brutalist buildings. While the Barbican is perhaps the beacon of them all, there’s also the world-famous National Theatre, as well as the Trellick Tower and Alexandra Road Estate. All of this and more is set to be marked with a celebration of the style of building, as a museum on brutalist architecture is landing in London.
Where will the home of the museum be? Right in a North London school, which will be restoring its Grade II-listed Assembly Hall to its 1960s appearance. Acland Burghley School in Camden is one of the final few Brutalist-designed schools left in the UK, and renovation on the hall is due to begin next year by Reed Watts Architects to create a space dedicated to brutalism.
This is now possible after the school received a National Lottery grant of just over £1 millionwhich will help restore the hall’s key features, as well as work towards improving accessibility and securing new gallery features to work towards their Hall For All project. Its original construction by Howell, Killick, Partridge & Amis architects, which was completed in 1968, originally intended the hall to be used for the wider community, and this restoration will help continue this vision.
The grant was possible due to matched funding raised by the local community, with students, parents, carers and neighbours all involved in the effort. This also includes support measures from the London Borough of Camden, Wolfson Foundation, Hollick Family Foundation, Cecil Rosen Charitable Foundation, The Reed Foundation, and the donations of individuals across the community. There is still fundraising taking place following the grant, with a target of £300,00 set on their project page.
Speaking on the news, school headteacher Nicholas John said: “This isn’t just about renovating a building. For our neighbours, safe, accessible spaces like this Hall can be a lifeline. The Hall for All will give young people, families and community groups a place to connect, learn and belong and ensure that this treasured space remains accessible and inspiring for generations. We are really grateful to everyone who has donated so far. Every penny given now will ensure we reach our funding target.”
There is no fixed date for the opening of the museum on brutalist architecture, though construction is due to begin next year. Watch this space for further news. Read about the project here.
