Blackheath Society Architecture Group Lecture - Tradition vs Modernism

Explore the architectural battleground that shaped the distinctive character of Blackheath and Greenwich in the 20th Century.

This talk will focus into the clash between Modernist pioneers and traditionalist defenders, as figures of national importance—architect Eric Lyons and developer Leslie Bilsby on one side, and Sir Albert Richardson alongside Charles Bernard-Brown on the other—fought passionately over the future of the built environment.

Through a series of case studies, including South Row, The Hall, The Priory, Brooklands Park, and Vanbrugh Park, we uncover the intensity of these debates—some escalating to public inquiries—and the lasting impact of their outcomes.

Beyond questions of taste and style, the talk also highlights ingenious examples of adaptation and reuse. Discover how modest yet charming “period” homes often emerged from creative coach house conversions, incorporating salvaged architectural elements such as porticos and bay windows. The lecture will also examine the restoration of the Paragon, revealing how preservation and innovation intersected.

Join us for an engaging exploration of how conflict, creativity, and compromise forged the rich architectural identity we see today.

Speaker: Ana Sutherland is a practicing architect and the Chair of the Blackheath Society. She published ‘Modern Buildings in Blackheath and Greenwich, 1950-2000’ in 2024.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

St Michael's Church, 1 Pond Road, London, United Kingdom

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