Press Release

LASDUN’S MASTERPIECE DETAILED IN NEW BOOK

3 March 2008

The Royal College of Physicians is launching a new book detailing the design and history of the RCP’s award winning building in Regent's Park.  Regarded as one of the finest 20th century buildings in London, the College is one of the late Sir Denys Lasdun’s most loved buildings.  This beautifully illustrated book, entitled Denys Lasdun’s Royal College of Physicians: A monumental act of faith, provides an insight into the history and design of this unique structure.

Designed in 1959 and completed in 1964, this modernist building was one of the first of its era to be awarded the accolade of a Grade 1 listing in recognition of its architectural importance.  Readers of this new book will gain a real sense of this magnificent building, with illustrations and text bringing to life the dignity of the staircase hall with its attractively-grained white Sicilian marble for the floors, the apparently free-floating staircase, and the bright colours of the stained glass window which greets you as you enter the College.

The book is illustrated throughout with original photography by acclaimed architectural photographer John Donat, taken at the time of the building opening as well as shots of the building under construction and modern views of the interior and exterior today.

Barnabas Calder, lecturer in architectural history and theory at Strathclyde University and author of the book, says “this is a wonderful building, and a pleasure to visit. At the Royal College of Physicians you can see the remarkable freedom which reinforced concrete gave to architects of the 1960s, without the grey surface that puts some people off much of the best British Modernism."

Andrew Hilson, Harveian Librarian for the RCP, says "I am delighted to launch this fascinating book. It explores the design and history of the building, including a guide to the interior rooms and features of this modern classic.  It details everything from the commissioning of the building to the shaping of the College and how we know it today.”

Charles Hind, Associate Director (Development) and H.J. Heinz Curator of Drawings, the RIBA, says "The Royal College of Physicians is remarkably generous in its willingness to share its splendid headquarters with the general public.  I hope this book will encourage more visitors to enjoy the finest 20th century staircase hall in London, set inside a building that has become such a classic that it will never date."

 

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