Later this month, Sheffield Modern, the arts festival inspired by the city’s architecture, returns for the second year.
The weekender aims to get people thinking about the shape of the city in new ways – through exhibitions, talks, walks, family-focused workshops, installations, and film screenings. Inspired by the festival, the team have taken a closer look at our city’s architecture.
We’re delighted to be joined by Claire Thornley, Editor of Our Favourite Places and the brains behind Sheffield Modern as our guest contributor!
Image: Our Favourite Places
Image: Google maps
City Parkway, 1960s
My wife used to work opposite this office building out on the Parkway and I was always fascinated by it if I went to pick her up. I love how unashamedly dominant it is with its raised position, battered walls, strong symmetry and vertical fins. Clearly whoever commissioned it was looking to make their mark on the world! Sadly, I never saw it let and it was demolished in 2013 to be replaced with a very run of the mill car dealership. If anyone can tell me more about this building I love to hear! [Alan]
Image: John Lewis
John Lewis, 1963
Who doesn’t love John Lewis? A Sheffield landmark and place of lunchtime comfort and happiness. [Jess]
Image: Sheffield Theatres
The Crucible, 1971
Did you know Sheffield has the biggest theatre group outside of London? The Crucible is a Sheffield landmark. It might not be the most beautiful building in the world, but as Jess put it, the building has “principles of ugliness” which I like. [Fera]
Image: Haarkon
The David Mellor House – Patrick Guest, 1960
Designed by Patrick Guest for his friend David Mellor, Sheffield metalware designer and manufacturer. I love how it looks in the photos like the garden is trying to get into the house – I think this would be a calm and contemplative space in which to live and design. [Claire]
Image: Euy Suk Kwon, The University of Sheffield
The Arts Tower – Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, 1966
This building is one of the main reasons why I came to study in Sheffield in the first place. The bright, naturally lit studios of the architecture department on the 17th/18th floors were unlike any I had seen at other universities. Despite having spent far too many late nights in the Tower over the past few years, the views of Sheffield seen from the top will never fail to amaze me. Additionally, I love the fact this building has become such a key landmark for the city and its skyline. [Mo]
Image: Paul Testa
Cutlers Hotel – Mansell Jenkinson & Partners, 1961-64
View the full programme & book tickets at:
www.sheffieldmodern.co.uk
#SheffieldModern