‘ Interwar: British Architecture 1919-1939’, by Gavin Stamp, released by Profile Books.
When Gavin Stamp passed away in 2017, the loss was felt deeply in the architecture world. Understood for his perseverance and enthusiasm (which might drift into the belligerent) when it concerned marketing, the architectural critic was an outspoken protector of structures, conserving numerous from demolition and strengthening the motion for the listing of postwar architecture. No structure was too little of stature for Stamp: he likewise combated staunchly for the security of the nation’s telephone boxes. His works– most especially for Private Detective— roared very well versus dangers to the nation’s developed heritage.
How exhilarating, then, to have some more. Composed quickly before his death, Interwar wants to redress the imbalance Stamp saw in our architectural history– particularly, that there was more to the interbellum duration than modernism. Taking in whatever from the Egyptian revival to the common Tudorbethan, this good-looking title makes the case for a more vibrant and varied view of the past.
Pictured: Yaffle Hill, Poole, Dorset, by Edward Maufe, 1930. Photography: John East, 2024 (top); 66 Frognal, Hampstead, London, by Connell, Ward & Lucas, 1938. Photography: John East, 2024 (above)
