Architectural Tour of Oxford: From Modernism to Lutyens
Tuesday 7 July, 7.30am-7.30pm
Join the Friends of Kettle’s Yard for a day out by coach to view and admire some of the best modern architecture of Oxford. After our expert-led morning walking tour, there will be a rare opportunity to visit Campion Hall (architect Edwin Lutyens’ final work) with its decorated chapel, followed by a splendid afternoon tea on Campion Hall college lawn.
About the Visit
Our two-hour walking tour will take in some of the best examples of 20th and 21st century college buildings. Our guide for the morning will be the distinguished architectural historian and writer, Alan Powers. While some buildings were designed as stand-out statements in their own right, many perfectly complement their medieval and later neighbours. The final itinerary has yet to be confirmed but full details will be sent to participants in advance. It is hoped to include visits to modern buildings within St John’s and Christ Church Colleges and others if possible.
After the architecture walk, there will be two hours’ free time to allow for independent exploration and to find lunch (please note, lunch is not included).
After lunch we will re-convene at Campion Hall at 2.30pm.
About Campion Hall and Sir Edwin Lutyens
Campion Hall is a late, and very subtle, work by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was built in 1935-36 to house the small Oxford Private Hall of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was commissioned by the public intellectual and collector Fr Martin D’Arcy SJ, who was then head of house. Lutyens altered an Elizabethan house already on a narrow site in Brewer Street, and added an L-shaped new building designed in a fusion of late Arts and Crafts with touches of moderne or, as it came to be called, art deco. Lutyens designed some furniture and also specified how many rooms were to be decorated and furnished. After a recent campaign of refurbishment and re-instatement, the dining-room and library will be shown, as well as the exquisite small chapel and the parlours for entertaining, including one of the few Lutyens black-and-red rooms to survive in situ. There is also a simple, elegant garden with a pool and fountain and mixed borders.
For this visit we will be taken around by Dr Peter Davidson, a fellow of the College and the College archivist who has been hugely involved with the restoration of the Chapel with its various works by Lutyens and is also the curator of all the artworks in the College. We will finish with a splendid served tea on the College lawn (if the weather is kind). As Campion Hall is rarely opened to groups it will be an unusual opportunity to view the interior.
About Dr Alan Powers
Alan is a widely-published author specialising in 20th century art and design. He has taught at several university schools of architecture and has been active as an exhibition curator, conservationist and journalist. Among his many publications is Bauhaus Goes West: Modern Art and Design in Britain and America.
Transport and Further Information
The coach will leave Trumpington Road coach stop Cambridge (opposite the Botanic Garden) at 7.30am and make a stop at Madingley Park & Ride (off Madingley Road CB3 OEU) at 7.40am with free all-day parking available, returning to Cambridge around 7.30pm.
Ticket price includes afternoon tea at Campion Hall but not lunch.
All proceeds support Kettle’s Yard. Refunds are not possible, unless the visit is cancelled by Kettle’s Yard. This visit is now sold out, please email friends@kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk to join the waiting list.
