Mid-Century Britain

Leading expert and passionate advocate of modern British architecture, Elain Harwood, provides the best overview of British architecture from 1938 to 1963 in Mid-Century Britain. This period, known for its midcentury buildings, is growing in popularity and is increasingly recognised for its importance as a backdrop to our lives. The buildings range from the Royal Festival Hall and Newcastle City Hall to Deal Pier and Douglas ferry terminal, including prefabs, ice cream parlours, Coventry Cathedral, and the Golden Lane Estate. Harwood writes in non-technical, accessible language about the design, architecture, and influence of these buildings on the lives in our towns and cities.

The author has categorised the diverse array of buildings into sections: Houses and Flats; Churches and Public Buildings; Offices; Shops, Showrooms, and Cafes; Hotels and Public Houses; Cinemas, Theatres, and Concert Halls; Industrial Buildings; and Transport. There is an insightful introduction that places these buildings in the broader context of 20th-century architecture, both nationally and globally. The book is fantastically photographed, making it a must-have for anyone interested in our built heritage.

In postwar Britain, architects often saw architecture as a powerful means to improve the quality of life after the shadow of war. Mid-Century Britain tells the fascinating story of what they built to meet that challenge.