Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building the Commonwealth Institute
Handshake JLP01_08_061406
Filename: jlp01_08_061406.jpg
Size: 4560 x 4739 (5.1MB)
Date: 8th February 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Handshake JLP01_08_061406
COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE, KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA, GREATER LONDON. Two men shaking hands at the Commonwealth Institutes topping out ceremony reception.
Laing built the Commonwealth Institute between October 1960 and October 1962 to replace the former Imperial Institute that was to be demolished to make way for new facilities at Imperial College. The building consisted of a four-storey administrative block housing a library, restaurant, board room and conference hall and a separate two-storey b lock containing a cinema with an art gallery above, but the focus of the project was the exhibition hall with its hyperbolic paraboloid roof, the first of its kind constructed in Great Britain. The exhibition, designed by James Gardner, provided spaces where each of the Commonwealth nations could showcase their achievements and characteristics, primarily to school children as teaching aids to enliven history and geography lessons
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24320064
© Historic England Archive
1960s Celebration People Smile Spectacles
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the topping out ceremony reception of the Commonwealth Institute at Kensington High Street, London. Two distinguished gentlemen are seen engaging in a firm handshake, symbolizing unity and collaboration among nations. Constructed by Laing between 1960 and 1962, the Commonwealth Institute replaced the former Imperial Institute to accommodate new facilities at Imperial College. The building featured an impressive four-storey administrative block housing various amenities like a library, restaurant, board room, and conference hall. Additionally, there was a separate two-storey block with a cinema and an art gallery above it. However, the highlight of this architectural marvel was undoubtedly its exhibition hall with its groundbreaking hyperbolic paraboloid roof - the first of its kind in Great Britain. Designed by James Gardner, the exhibition within showcased achievements and characteristics from each Commonwealth nation. It served as an educational tool for school children to enliven their history and geography lessons while fostering cultural understanding. The image exudes joyousness as both men sport warm smiles while donning stylish glasses or spectacles that were popular during the 1960s era. This photograph is not only a testament to human connection but also represents celebration and progress. Captured by A© Historic England Archive, this remarkable snapshot serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and aspirations for international cooperation beyond commercial interests.
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