Books / Architecture
Bristol’s brilliant Brutalist buildings
The concrete tower of the former Premier Inn is currently being demolished and the buildings around St Mary le Port Church are surrounded by hoardings in preparation for their demolition.
So it was a race against time for the writers and photographers whose work appears in a new zine.
The second issue of Brutal Bristol, edited by Tom Benjamin, is once again raising money for FareShare South West.
“Throughout the preparation of this issue, I felt compelled to explore beyond the celebrated icons of Bristol’s architectural landscape, though they do still feature,” writes Benjamin in his introduction.
“I also wanted to highlight those buildings that exist on the fringes of what defines brutalism or are often overlooked.
“For many of these buildings, this could be the final opportunity to document them before they succumb to time or neglect.”
Tom Benjamin’s photographs of Bank House feature in the new zine
Benjamin added: “In recent years, Bristol’s architecture has frequently made headlines, though often for unfortunate reasons.
“Currently, several buildings in the city face uncertain futures or imminent demolition. At the time of writing it is already too late for many.”
The second Brutal Bristol zine delves deeper into our city’s architecture
As well as the former Premier Inn – part of a cluster of buildings constructed between 1967 and 1972 which later became the headquarters of Avon County Council – the new zine features a look at car parks, churches and Bank House.
There is also a Brutal Bristol walk stretching from Redcliffe to Clifton, finishing at All Saints Church.
To buy a copy of Brutal Bristol II, visit ourshadowswillremain.bigcartel.com
Main photo: Martin Booth
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