ART | Margaret Howell Hosts Photography Exhibition “Slacklands” at London Flagship Store
ART | Margaret Howell Contributes! A "Local Edition" Architecture Guidebook of Britain
Photography Exhibition Commemorating the Publication of ARCA's "Slacklands" at London Flagship Store
The "Archive for Rural Contemporary Architecture (ARCA)" project, which archives "nameless" architectural gems hidden in the British countryside through photographs and text, is releasing its first book, "Slacklands." To commemorate this, a photography exhibition will be held from Friday, May 9th to Sunday, June 1st, at Margaret Howell's flagship store on Wigmore Street in London.Margaret Howell's flagship store on Wigmore Street.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Architecture Beyond Convention
Corinna Dean, an architect, curator, and writer, is behind this distinctive initiative. The "Archive for Rural Contemporary Architecture (ARCA)" project is led by her.
Numerous architectural heritages from the 20th century lie hidden in the countryside.—Noticing this situation, the members of ARCA spent four years conducting thorough research across the UK. From this, they selected 35 buildings to compile into the book "Slacklands."
The title "Slacklands" signifies a departure from conventional landscapes and concepts, embracing the unconventional. This book, which explores industrial structures bearing the remnants of the Cold War and the sites of power stations set against rugged landscapes, teaches us that even the most "nameless" buildings have one or two fascinating stories to tell.
Revealing an Unfamiliar Side of Britain
Designer Margaret Howell offers the following comment in the foreword to "Slacklands."
"Corinna Dean's mission is to convey how rich and unique 20th-century architectural heritage is. She is uncovering neglected buildings (military, industrial, places of worship, and entertainment architecture) that we so easily forget. This book shows us buildings with unfamiliar and less-known structures and forms from Britain."
These structures draw us in with their captivating designs while also strongly appealing to our emotions. Even when dilapidated, overgrown with vegetation, or in ruins, these rugged buildings still exude immense power.
For instance, the stark defensive structures from World War II (like pillboxes, anti-tank ditches, and bases) show traces of London's South Bank. The functional ornamentation seen in these can also be found in workwear. And excellent workwear ages beautifully.
While some of the buildings Corinna features were already favorites of mine, most were new to me. I'm already looking forward to exploring these buildings with this book in hand."
*South Bank: A riverside area on the south bank of the River Thames in London. Developed since the 1980s, it is now known as a cultural hub where various events and festivals are held throughout the year.
Photography Exhibition Commemorating the Publication of "Slacklands"
Dates | Friday, May 9th – Sunday, June 1st
Hours | 10:00 – 18:00 (Sundays 12:00 – 17:00)
Venue | Margaret Howell Wigmore Street Store
34 WIGMORE STREET, LONDON W1U 2RS
Tel. +44-20-7009-9009
Price | £18.95
*During the exhibition period, "Slacklands" will be available for purchase at all Margaret Howell shops and online (EU only).
Corinna Dean
Born in Edinburgh, based in London. Her work primarily focuses on the built environment. Trained as an architect, she currently runs the postgraduate architecture course at the University of Kent. Her exploration of architecture and its cultural, political, and social contexts has recently led her to Douala in Cameroon, scarred by conflict, the West Bank of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, and Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Her writings and photographic works have been published in Deutsche Bauzeitung, Icon, Blueprint, and The Architectural Review.
Inquiries
Anglobal Press Room
Tel. 03-5467-7870
http://www.margarethowell.jp