Basingstoke And Its Contribution To World Culture

Rupert Willoughby presents latest lecture from The Arts Society Chiswick

Related Links

The Arts Society Chiswick

Sign up for email newsletters from ChiswickW4.com and HammersmithToday.co.uk

One of the most derided towns in England, renowned for its dullness, Basingstoke is distinguished only by its numerous roundabouts and absurd Modernist architecture. Hilariously told, it is a story that neatly illustrates the ugliest episode in England’s architectural history. As Betjeman wrote prophetically, “What goes for Basingstoke goes for most English towns”.

Rupert Willoughby explains how the post-war planners, who inflicted such features as ‘the Great Wall of Basingstoke’ on the town, were politically-motivated and bent on destroying all traces of its past. He reveals the nobler Basingstoke that is buried beneath the concrete, and the few historic gems that have survived.

Rupert Willoughby is a prize-winning historian who specialises in the domestic and social life of the past. He is an experienced lecturer - and occasional broadcaster - on a broad range of topics, with an interest in architecture, interior decoration and costume.

The lecture starts at 8pm on Thursday 9 November in the Malinova Room at The Polish Centre (POSK), 238-246 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 0RF.

All are welcome and you are encouraged to arrive early to join the rest of the audience for a pre-lecture drink. Tickets cost £10 on the door for non-members.

November 4, 2017

Bookmark and Share