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Image Licensing : Barbican Centre N100535
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Barbican Centre N100535
BARBICAN CENTRE, London. View of the brutalist architecture of the Barbican and flats that surround the centre. Listed Grade II (NHLE 1352667). Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 4952416
Filename: N100535.jpg
Size: 5058 x 6656 (26.6MB)
Date: 5th July 2010
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Urgency (1-8) 5=normal: 5
Source: English Heritage Images
Owner URL: www.englishheritageimages.com
Job Title: Staff Photographer
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Architecture > Modern Architecture > Post-War Listing
> Architecture > Modern Architecture > Space, Hope and Brutalism
> Architecture > Modern Architecture
> Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building the Barbican
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph by James O. Davies captures the unique and distinctive character of the Barbican Centre in London, a prime example of Brutalist architecture. The image showcases the Centre's imposing presence amidst the surrounding residential flats, all listed as Grade II (NHLE 1352667) by Historic England. The Barbican Centre, an iconic cultural complex, is a modernist masterpiece designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, completed in 1982. Its raw concrete and glass facade, with its repetitive geometric patterns, has become a symbol of post-war British architecture. The Centre houses a concert hall, art galleries, a cinema, a library, and the Barbican Estate, which provides residential accommodation for over 2,000 people. The Barbican's Brutalist design was once a subject of controversy, with some critics dismissing it as cold and uninviting. However, over the years, its unique aesthetic has grown on many, and it is now celebrated as a significant architectural achievement. The Centre's brutalist exterior belies its warm and welcoming interior, which offers a wealth of cultural experiences for visitors and residents alike. This photograph invites us to appreciate the Barbican Centre not just as a cultural institution, but also as an integral part of the London landscape. Its bold, unapologetic design stands out against the backdrop of the city, offering a striking contrast to the more traditional buildings that surround it. The Barbican Centre's enduring appeal lies in its ability to challenge and inspire, and this photograph captures that essence perfectly.
