‘Most don’t know who top architects are – and Prince Charles doesn’t help’

Published: 5th May, 2011
PROPERTY NEWS by DAN CARRIER

THEY are often seen as polar opposites: Modernists and Classicists rage against each other’s schools of design, with the recent controversy over the plans for Chelsea Barracks a good example of how both camps don’t hold back on the relative merits of their opposing philosophies.

It means we have the likes of Quinlan Terry and Robert Adam, whose Classical works are trumpeted by Prince Charles, and in the opposite corner, virtually every other architect and planner working today.

But to understand Modernism properly, we have to know where it came from – and this means having an understanding of Classicism.

That is the aim of a summer course organised by Camden Town architect and lecturer Tim Bruce-Dick.

Mr Bruce-Dick ran evening courses in architecture at City University, before government funding cuts meant it was withdrawn. He now continues to lecture, offer walking tours and short courses on architectural themes. 

Mr Bruce-Dick said: “It is worth considering how did Greek, Roman and Renaissance architecture shape our environment over 400 years?”

The course offers a tour through centuries of design. Starting with an outline of the original Greek and Roman Classicists, Mr Bruce-Dick will discuss how it declined in the Middle Ages and then was revived in Italy in the 15th century. 

“We will look at how the styles came here in the 17th century with Inigo Jones and then on through Wren and Hawksmoor, Nash and Soane,” he said.

The course then progresses to show the inter-linking nature of Modernism with Classical architecture. As Mr Bruce-Dick explains: “It is impossible to consider Modernism without understanding the Classical. All the great modern architects like Le Corbusier studied and greatly appreciated Classical architecture. They went back to Greek and Roman design to answer basic questions.”

And he has strong words for those who dismiss either school.

“The Prince of Wales has done a tremendous amount of damage in so much as he has given the impression that the establishment are in some way against contemporary architecture,” said Mr Bruce-Dick. “It doesn’t have to be this way. If you look at Prince Albert, he was one of the greatest advocates of modern architecture and it is a shame Prince Charles has not followed in his footsteps.”

He also believes there is a gap in our knowledge of great British architects of the modern era. Mr Bruce-Dick added: “In America, the man on the street will be able to tell you who Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry were. If you asked the same question here, it is likely most people would not get beyond Sir Christopher Wren.”

Other highlights include various visits including a trip to  Oxford, the Soane museum, Somerset House, and a guided tour to the great buildings in the City of London.

• The 10-lecture series starts on May 9. For more information visit www.timstoursandwalks.co.uk

Classicism on our doorsteps...

Three of Mr Bruce-Dick’s favourite examples of Classicism in Camden:

• The Nash Terraces in Regent’s Park: “A walk there will mean you can really appreciate Classical buildings,” he says.
• The British Museum: “It includes Norman Foster’s masterpiece in the Great Court – the museum combines both the older and the new.”
• Bedford Square (pictured): “It is probably the most perfect Georgian square in London.”