The Twentieth Century Society

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Put Forward

Church of the Ascension, Beaufort Road, Hanger Hill, London; Hon. John Seely and Paul Paget, 1939; locally listed; Hanger Hill (Haymills) Estate CA

Although a relatively modest structure—in terms of size and special features, the Church of the Ascension demonstrates clearly the unconventional design approach of Seely and Paget that featured simplified classical motifs alongside inspired modernistic gestures. Locally listed, within a conservation area, and under no perceived threat, the building is an early work by this distinguished practice, and survives virtually unaltered. 

Palace Green Library, Durham University, Durham; George Gaze Pace, 1961-6; unlisted; Durham City Centre CA

A rare non-ecclesiastical scheme by George Gaze Pace, Palace Green Library was a challenging scheme, inserted as it is between Durham Cathedral and the Castle, a most sensitive international heritage site. Pace undoubtedly drew on his long experience as Consultant Architect to Durham Cathedral and his design was widely praised for its distinct modern character that did not fail to pay a subtle tribute to its surroundings. Although recommended for listing at Grade II* by the Post-War Steering Group in 2001, the case seems to have got ‘stuck in the system’; C20 has now re-applied to EH for the library to be listed. 

London Underground Stations

The Society has now forwarded 11 London Underground stations for listing: Wood Green, (Piccadilly Line), Charles Holden, 1932, Perivale, (Central Line), Brian Lewis, 1947, Hanger Lane, (Piccadilly Line), Charles Holden, 1946-49, West Acton, (Central Line) Brian Lewis, 1940 Gants Hill, (Central Line), Charles Holden, 1937-47, Stanmore, (Jubilee Line), Charles Walter Clark, 1932, Kingsbury, (Metropolitan Line), Charles Walter Clark, 1932, St John’s Wood, (Jubilee Line) Stanley Heaps, 1939, Moor Park, (Metropolitan Line ) LT Architects Dept, 1961, Croxley, (Northern Line) Charles Walter Clark, 1925, Brent Cross, (Northern Line), Stanley Heaps, 1923. All stations have gone forward at Grade II. 

Harlow Town Centre North incorporating Broadwalk and the Market Square, Essex; Sir Frederick Gibberd, planned from 1947 onwards

Harlow has already lost many good Gibberd buildings, including its Town Hall (1958) and civic centre, whilst its relocated Water Gardens (Grade II, as well as a II* Listed Park/ Garden) now abut a car park and bland superstores. The council now wants to re-build the north end of the town as a vast series of shops and leisure facilities. C20 and the Harlow Civic Society feel that the seminal Market Square and pedestrian street are of high national significance as the first completed New Town and can be refurbished; we have recommended that the group be considered for listing. 

UEA School of Music, UEA , Norwich; Phillip Dowson, Arup Associates, 1973

After considering a scheme to extend the music block into the heavily altered Lasdun squash court, we have put the music block forward for listing at Grade II. When Denys Lasdun concluded his contract with the UEA at Norwich in 1968, his work on the site already constituted a complete entity. Few buildings added to Lasdun’s masterplan afterwards fitted into their context better than the Music Centre. Much of the Lasdun campus is already listed of course, but this intelligent, sympathetic addition, a masterpiece of contextual modernism, is the first non- Lasdun building we have tried to get listed at UEA. 

Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design, 107-109 Charing Cross Road, London; E P Wheeler for the LCC, H FT Cooper, assistant architect in charge, 1937-9, Soho Conservation Area

Following the erection of the new Granary building at King’s Cross (completion expected by September 2011), Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design is to vacate its landmark building on 107-109 Charing Cross Road. Future plans for the LCC building include a planning application proposing to retain the building envelope but also change its use to retail and residential. As part of this scheme, all fenestration is proposed to be replaced, including the distinctive glass brick ground floor windows. The Society put the building forward for listing as a stylish example of the 1930s Arts and Crafts tradition of the LCC that gains additional significance by its historical associations with an internationally renowned art college. 

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