Built in 1936-8 on the site of Adam brothers' original Adelphi this quietly impressive masterpiece with its clean lines and classical detailing still looks almost brand new today.
Today's architects should learn lessons from this efficient and functional yet attractive building and move away from the clip-togther panelled monstrosities that are being constructed as I write this. Though I expect, having shorter shelf lives the new builds are a constant source of revenue... hmmm.
The Adelphi boasts exquisite carvings and motifs at strategic places such as around the doors plus four large sculptures on the corners of the river-facing side each commissioned from less well-known artists of that era including Edward Bainbridge Copnall, Donald Gilbert and Arthur JJ Ayres who is the artist behind these fabulous panels on and adjacent to Hornsey Town Hall in Crouch End:
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| All these Ayres reliefs are available as greeting cards and some can be printed up as larger prints – please enquire |
The interior of the Adelphi building is just as marvellous as the exterior. See here for more.
Donald Gilbert was the sculptor of the Adelphi NOT his father Walter.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/name/hubert-donald-macgeogh-gilbert
ReplyDeleteWhoops! Can’t believe I made that error especially as this features on my walking tours and in two of my talks. Thanks for pointing that out. I will amend the main body in due course. Thanks. Jane.
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