Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building the Commonwealth Institute
Visiting dignitaries JLP01_08_063426
Filename: jlp01_08_063426.jpg
Size: 4646 x 4642 (4.8MB)
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
Visiting dignitaries JLP01_08_063426
COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE, KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA, GREATER LONDON. A group of MPs from Sierra Leone visiting the Commonwealth Institute during the final stages of its construction.
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 24320090
© Historic England Archive
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic Images
> 1960 to the present day
> The 1960s
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Building the Commonwealth Institute
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history as visiting dignitaries from Sierra Leone explore the Commonwealth Institute during its final stages of construction. Located on Kensington High Street in Greater London, this iconic building was constructed by Laing between October 1960 and October 1962 to replace the former Imperial Institute. The Commonwealth Institute consisted of a four-storey administrative block that housed various facilities such as a library, restaurant, boardroom, and conference hall. Additionally, there was a separate two-storey block featuring a cinema with an art gallery above. However, the highlight of this architectural masterpiece was undoubtedly the exhibition hall with its groundbreaking hyperbolic paraboloid roof – the first of its kind ever built in Great Britain. Designed by James Gardner, the exhibition within showcased the achievements and characteristics of each Commonwealth nation. Its purpose was to serve as an interactive teaching aid for school children studying history and geography. The aim was to enliven their lessons by providing them with firsthand experiences and insights into different cultures and nations. Preserved within this remarkable print from A© Historic England Archive is not just an image but also a testament to international cooperation and cultural exchange. It serves as a reminder of how architecture can transcend boundaries and foster understanding among nations.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
