Rights Managed > Historic England > More features > Festivals and Exhibitions > Festival of Britain 1951
Building the Dome OP04076
Filename: op04706.jpg
Size: 5429 x 3873 (2.6MB)
Date: 23rd June 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Building the Dome OP04076
Festival of Britain, South Bank Exhibition, Dome of Discovery, Chicheley Street, South Bank, Lambeth, Greater London. The partially constructed Dome of Discovery on the South Bank, with County Hall behind, and the roof of the Transport Pavilion in the foreground.
The original caption reads: " Progress picture of construction work on 1951 Exhibition, South Bank, London. View of Dome of Discovery showing aluminium alloy arches to support aluminium roof. Part of Transport Pavilion is in foreground."
The Dome of Discovery was designed by Ralph Tubbs. The building was a temporary structure using reinforced concrete and aluminium. At the time it was the largest aluminium structure ever erected, and was also the biggest dome in the world. It measured 365 ft in diameter, and was alsmost 100 ft high
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 25316255
© Historic England Archive
Architecture Building Construction Dome Engineering Exhibition Pavilion Modern Aluminium Ground Breaking Reinforced Concrete
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the construction of the Dome of Discovery during the Festival of Britain in 1951. The partially completed dome stands proudly on the South Bank, with County Hall towering behind it, and the roof of the Transport Pavilion visible in the foreground. Designed by Ralph Tubbs, this temporary structure was an engineering marvel that showcased modern architecture at its finest. Constructed using reinforced concrete and aluminium, it boasted impressive aluminium alloy arches supporting its vast roof. In fact, this magnificent dome held two records: it was not only the largest aluminium structure ever erected but also claimed to be the biggest dome worldwide. Measuring a staggering 365 feet in diameter and nearly reaching a height of 100 feet, this groundbreaking building symbolized progress and innovation. Its metal-framed design exemplified contemporary aesthetics while pushing boundaries within architectural possibilities. As we gaze upon this historic image, we are transported back to a time when London's South Bank Exhibition buzzed with excitement and anticipation for what lay inside this remarkable structure. This photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity—a visual reminder of how artistry meets engineering to create iconic landmarks that leave lasting impressions on generations to come.
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