It was a time of hope. After six years of post-war austerity – making do on very little – the Festival of Britain brought good news. One day, not far ahead, the country would enter an age of peace and plenty. At the heart of the Festival was a sampler…
The year Britain learned to party
Former Fleet Street newspaper editor Gerald Barry promised that the Festival of Britain would be full of ‘fun, fantasy and colour – a tonic to the nation’. He went on to be its director and, on its 60th anniversary next week, this book presents the story through his eyes, thanks…
Festival of Britain
The Festival of Britain (FOB) involved a nationwide programme of events. ASS 187 shows the official programme map with events and exhibitions around the country. This case study focuses on sculpture sited on and around the South Bank Festival exhibition site in London. Independently, you will need to consult texts…
Festival closes to applause
The Festival of Britain was widely regarded as a big success – although there had been much criticism initially of the £11m cost at a time of meat rationing and petrol shortages. London and the South Bank were the heart of the Festival. The modern design and informal layout of…