Open House Weekend

[spylaw4]

A few days ago I promoted Open House Weekend (this weekend 15/16 September), now in many cities around the world. I said I would start a thread for photos taken by those visiting (and depicting) the open buildings in any city with an Open House programme. I do hope a number of us participated, and that it's not a solo effort!

This is that thread and, at least for the next couple of weeks, may I ask one of the Moderators to make this a sticky to allow folks to easily post to it (and comment on postings, of course).

I'll kick off in a separate post below.

[spylaw4]

London: Balfron Tower designed by Erno Goldfinger in 1965. Trellick Tower's older, shorter, and lesser known sister. Part of an estate. Features a separate lift tower and common walkway for entry to units every 3 floors. A listed building, now due for renovation (badly needed) in a couple of years time.

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[carylwithay]

Nice shots. I really like the second one. Interesting angle and good detail and color.
Caryl

[biglouis]

Brian

Deeply envious. This is a superb piece of architecture in the brutalist mould. Getting access like this must have been an interesting experience. Thanks for posting.

I've always assumed the architect was a closet Stalinist. #2 and #4 are my favourites. I could kick myself, my wife and I do Open House each year but for some reason we only just realised it was this weekend, too late. I'm looking forward to other posts.

Once again, thanks for posting

LouisB

[michael_boylan]

Originally Posted by spylaw4

I do hope a number of us participated, and that it's not a solo effort!

No need to fly solo, but I have to finish my roll, develop and scan it. The joys of film

[michael_boylan]

Originally Posted by spylaw4

London: Balfron Tower designed by Erno Goldfinger in 1965. Trellick Tower's older, shorter, and lesser known sister.

And probably a damn site less busy than Trellick. A couple of years ago we queued for ages to get into Trellick Tower. I never thought of this cunning left-field move Good one.

Which reminds me of that day. We were on the roof wondering how come the Met get away with leaving all their ugly Notting Hill Carnival observation scaffolding in place when the guide explained to us that the building's Listing happened to come through in August. And as it was August the annual scaffolding was in place. And as said scaffolding is now Listed they can't remove it!

Look at the roof of Trellick Tower next time you pass.

Thanks for the shots.

[spylaw4]

Originally Posted by michael_boylan

And probably a damn site less busy than Trellick. A couple of years ago we queued for ages to get into Trellick Tower. I never thought of this cunning left-field move Good one.

Which reminds me of that day. We were on the roof wondering how come the Met get away with leaving all their ugly Notting Hill Carnival observation scaffolding in place when the guide explained to us that the building's Listing happened to come through in August. And as it was August the annual scaffolding was in place. And as said scaffolding is now Listed they can't remove it!

Look at the roof of Trellick Tower next time you pass.

Thanks for the shots.

Which just goes to show the inflexible silliness of the listing system and its enofrcers as it currently is.

Looking forward to your shots Michael. I've more to come from the rest of Saturday and Sunday.

Thanks Caryl and Louis for the comments.

[spylaw4]

And in complete contrast to Balfron Tower, the rest of Saturday was spent visiting historic churches in East London. Here is the first - St Mary's, Wanstead. Grade 1 listed, and a fine example of a small Georgian church by Thomas Hardwick dating from 1789, and still with the original box pews.

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The particularly fine pulpit has its oriental style canopy supported on 'palm trees' signifying the links with the East India Company.

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In the chancel is one of London's best Baroque monuments (to Sir Joshua Child of the East India Company)

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Detail from the monument

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[biglouis]

Darn! Once again, deeply envious. Personally, I'd probably crop number 2 to make it more symmertrical but it is a great photograph, as is the last close up. Looks like you made some great choices this year, Brian.

LouisB

[michael_boylan]

Originally Posted by spylaw4

.......... and still with the original box pews.

When I read this quickly I saw it as "and still with its original box". The mind boggled: what sort of box would an 18th century church be delivered in?