The Brilliance of British Architecture

This study day explores old and new, examining the very best of British architects from Christopher Wren to the present day.

The Gleaming Spires of London from 1066 to 2066.
London boasts a remarkable range of architecture, and this talk reveals the evolution of the capital through its great buildings. Starting with a romp through history we then examine the finest of the buildings around today, and peek into the future development plans.

The Classical Re-invented – the legacy of Sir Christopher Wren
We wind the clock back to the seventeenth century and enjoy an armchair tour of some of Wren’s magnificent but lesser-known structures including City Churches, grand houses, as well as his greatest masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral. Wren was primarily a mathematician and astronomer, and we’ll see how these disciplines are harnessed in his work.

Thomas Heatherwick – a Modern Leonardo
We now move into modern times and see how an extremely talented designer has challenged the convention of building design around the world. Heatherwick came to the public’s attention with his acclaimed Olympic cauldron in 2012 and his new London bus. He uses curiosity and experimentation to produce a vast range of innovative solutions to design challenges in the UK and abroad.

The cost of the study day including morning coffee/tea is £30 for members of any Sussex Arts Society or £35 for non-members. A light lunch, including sandwiches and a glass of wine or juice, is available for an extra £10.