Posts Tagged “architecture”

London Shopfronts

London Shopfronts

Illustrations of the City’s Best-Loved Spots. This is an ode to some of London’s most iconic and celebrated shops.  London Shopfronts showcases the city’s neighbourhoods and their shops, pubs, markets and more. It offers a rich tapestry of architecture both past and present. Illustrator Joel Holland created his first book, NYC Storefronts, because he was…

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Art Deco City

Art Deco City

Even those of us who are not architectural experts will easily recognise the distinctive lines of Art Deco buildings. They represented the aspirations for a brighter future after the horrors of the First World War. Art Deco reflected the new industrial age and gave a nod to transatlantic ships and ancient civilisations. That might not…

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An Organic Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright – review

An Organic Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright – review

We might not all major in architecture but we are all touched by it, and it’s argued that Frank Lloyd Wright has had more impact than most on buildings in both the 20th and 21st centuries. Frank Lloyd Wright introduced the word ‘organic’ into his vision of building, and indeed he did this as far…

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Rennes – living with history – travel review

Rennes – living with history – travel review

History is everywhere in Rennes but it’s actually considered by thoroughly modern folks to be one of the most liveable cities in France. That’s a hard juggling act. Rennes had been in existence for centuries before the Romans and in 57 BC the local inhabitants joined the Gaulish coalition against Rome. That didn’t work and…

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Travels with Frank Lloyd Wright by Gwyn Lloyd Jones – review

Travels with Frank Lloyd Wright by Gwyn Lloyd Jones – review

This is a volume for any student of architecture who is interested in that phrase ‘form follows function’ with regard to the inspiring and revolutionary architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Gwyn Lloyd Jones retraced Frank Lloyd Wright’s steps on journeys he made outside the USA. This volume considers the man along with his buildings. It’s…

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Strawberry Hill House – Former grandeur restored – travel review

Strawberry Hill House – Former grandeur restored – travel review

Strawberry Hill. Even the name conjures visions of pastoral idylls, perhaps a water-colour of mature trees with the promise of a gently-flowing river just over that grassy knoll. Well, the reality isn’t that far from the pastel dream and there is a House that is at the very centre of the quintessentially English scene. Strawberry…

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Rotterdam – beds, buildings and gastronomic surprises – travel review

Rotterdam – beds, buildings and gastronomic surprises – travel review

It’s attracting lots of gastronomic and architectural attention, and it does indeed offer a wealth of national and international food outlets. The new Markthal is a traditional market in Rotterdam with piles of fresh vegetables, meat and fish and, yes, cheese as well; but its attractive and striking environs are also garnished with a good…

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Rotterdam – building with new energy, treasuring old charm – travel review

Rotterdam – building with new energy, treasuring old charm – travel review

I had visited Holland once before. That was Amsterdam and many years ago. I travelled by air and the flight was quick – Holland is nearer than one might think. But a trip to Rotterdam via Stena Line ferry from Harwich made that diverse and vibrant city even more accessible. Rotterdam is the second-largest city…

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Four Emperors and an Architect – history review

Four Emperors and an Architect – history review

This book is bound to appeal to anyone with a love of what they assume to be, and indeed what has become, classic English architecture. We’re talking about Robert Adam’s buildings so they couldn’t be anything other than quintessentially English, could they? Well, yes and no. Four Emperors and an Architect has the story. Four…

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