Elegant Variation: The Architecture of H. T. Cadbury-Brown RA

Until 21 January 2007

In The Tennant Room, a John Madejski Fine Room

Festival Photograph of The Land of Britain pavilion for the Festival of Britain, 1951, by H. T. Cadbury-Brown RA Photograph of The Land of Britain pavilion for the Festival of Britain, 1951, by H. T. Cadbury-Brown RAFree admission

H. T. (‘Jim’) Cadbury-Brown RA left his first job with Ernö Goldfinger to set up his own architectural practice 70 years ago. Throughout his buildings he has explored the variety offered by Modernism, combining charm and accessibility with integrity and originality.

In the Festival of Britain (1951) Cadbury-Brown’s pair of airy cone-shaped entrance structures flanked one of the main viewpoints. At night, visitors to the South Bank looked across a light-studded pavement towards the river, where a bank of fountains was lit by gas jets, and red globe lights were festooned in the trees, all conceived to his design.

His best-known work, the Royal College of Art building (1961-62), next to the Royal Albert Hall, was widely praised for its combination of toughness and refinement, and its careful relationship to the other buildings fronting Kensington Gore.

Through original drawings, models and photographs, the exhibition explores these and other projects. The architect’s own house, a collaboration with his wife, Elizabeth, is the subject of a newly-made film.

Opening times
1pm-4.30pm Tuesday to Friday
10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday
Closed Monday

• Royal Academy of Arts