Tag Archives: architecture

Museum of Bath Architecture announces photo competition.

Museum of Bath Architecture announces photo competition.

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Architectural Photographer of the Year 2018

Architecture is all around us; virtually everywhere we go there is some kind of building, structure or space.

Photography is now the most accessible format of recording our lives especially with the development of the smartphone.

The Museum of Bath Architecture is exploring the intrinsic link between Architecture and Photography and the way in which people engage in the built environment through photos.

As such we want to see how others interpret buildings and man-made structures.

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Image: Photographer Tim Beale. #timble30

The competition has two main categories:

1. Open Architecture (split into Adult & Junior sections) looking at photography of architecture taken anywhere in the world. Be bold, be creative!

2. The city of Bath UK. Open to all ages this category looks at the wonderful architecture of this World Heritage Site City.

The top ten selected images will be printed and framed for display at the 2019 exhibition at the Museum of Bath Architecture; after the exhibition, these will be offered to the successful entrants. Prizes will be awarded to first place winners from each category.

Entry £5 per image for adults, £3 per image for juniors.

Entries open online 31 May and close on 1 November 2018

More info via

www.Museumofbatharchitecture.org.uk

All will be revealed.

All will be revealed.

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Prepare for the east end of Bath Abbey to disappear behind hoarding in about six weeks or so as building contractors Emery’s get down to the business of starting to lift memorial or ledger stones.

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The first part of Bath Abbey to be affected by the floor reconstruction work.

The local building firm has won a multi-million-pound contract to secure the unstable Abbey floor, install new heating – tapped from Bath’s thermal waters –  and construct various new facilities for staff, choir and visitors.

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Some sort of temporary altar will have to be set up.

It’s going to take several years to complete the job but the first area to be tackled – the east end –  will mean moving the high altar and choir nearer to the congregation so work can begin behind the screens.

The Abbey is insisting that – though facilities may be restricted at times – it WILL be business as usual and they will even be continuing their Tower Tours.

 

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The trial work of 2013

 

A few years ago Emery’s were involved in a trial piece of work carried out to test the technique of injecting a liquid agent into the cavities that had formed amongst the thousands of burials under the floor.

 

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Drilling holes for the fluid injections of August 2013

 

It fills and hardens and so stabilises the floor. In doing the work they had taken up a fair few memorial or ledger stones which were relaid afterwards.

Many more stones lie beneath the nave pews and – now they will gradually be permanently removed – many more ledger stones will be seen for the first time in 150 years.

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The central aisle inside Bath Abbey

Emery’s initial work was watched by a young local man involved in writing a dissertation for a Master of  Arts degree as part of his architectural studies.

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Ian Parkes – now employed by Bath-based architectural firm Stride Treglown – based his thesis on an area of Abbey flooring. It was called “The Stone remains – Mapping Place at Bath Abbey.”

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He was back in the building today to lead a tour of local people interested in hearing more about the ledger stones and what they told us of the Abbey and its social and spiritual history.

One of those in Ian’s group today was the Abbey’s Interpretation Officer, Dr Oliver Taylor. He and a grou of volunteers have been busy recording the details of all the ledger stones currently visible in the Abbey.

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There will be many more to record as the pews are gradually removed. However, as the stones themselves will have to come up – so the floor can be stabilised – will they be going back where they were.

 

Bridge crack? We’re keeping an eye on it says Council.

Bridge crack? We’re keeping an eye on it says Council.

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Well, l have finally had my official answer from B&NES regarding the sorry state of the stone balustrade alongside Pulteney Bridge – and regarding the crack in the stone facade to one side of this Grade 1 listed structure’s first span over the River Avon.

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The crack is below the cafe window and above one side of the first bridge span.

Here’s the statement from the Press Office.

“Pulteney Bridge is subject to regular inspections, in accordance with nationally adopted standards.

The vegetation growing on the structure will be removed in a future programme of maintenance work.

The minor crack in the shop façade was identified through the inspection regime and is subject to ongoing monitoring.”

Well, l still think it is getting wider!

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Hopefully, you can see the crack in the horizontal seam between the masonry.

It’s a shame the balustrade wasn’t subject to regular inspections too. It might have prevented the weeds from growing so well.

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Here’s the view – looking through the cafe window.

Pulteney Bridge was designed by Robert Adam in a Palladian style. It was completed in 1774 and connected the city with the newly built Georgian town of Bathwick.

It is one of only four such bridges in the world in having shops built across its full span on both sides.

It is one of the most iconic structures in our World Heritage city and a favourite tourist spot for taking ‘selfies’.

 

 

Bath Rugby appoint architects for new stadium.

Bath Rugby appoint architects for new stadium.

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The architectural firm responsible for designing the contemporary part of Bath’s Thermae Spa will be back in the city for another ground breaking project.

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Thermae Bath Spa

Grimshaw Architects have been selected to deliver the new stadium for Bath Rugby.

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A page from the Grimshaw website.

The Club has today announced:

“Following a rigorous selection process, Stadium for Bath – the project that brings together Bath Rugby, Bath Rugby Foundation and Arena 1865 – has appointed globally renowned firm Grimshaw as lead architect to realise the vision for a new community focused stadium in the heart of Bath – a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

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One of the architectural projects featured on the Grimshaw website.

Multi award-winning firm Grimshaw – whose design credentials span across the globe – have been appointed to develop plans for an exceptional new stadium, with a target capacity of 18,000, which will replace Bath Rugby’s current facilities at the Recreation Ground in the City of Bath.

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Another web page from the Grimshaw on-line site.

Grimshaw’s current and previous experience includes sporting destinations such as the Wimbledon Master Plan, including No1 Court, the Curragh Racecourse; and the delivery of projects in sensitive heritage locations such as Thermae Bath Spa and the recently approved changes to the grade II-Listed former Herman Miller factory for Bath Spa University.

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Bath Rugby’s current facilities at the Rec.

Stadium for Bath say they undertook a rigorous architect selection process. Design credentials and design process were key to selection but equal importance was placed on the individuals, the team and the way they work. In addition, as part of the pre-design listening process Stadium for Bath asked stakeholders, including local residents and supporters, to list their considerations for appointing a lead architect and design team.

The project team reviewed a long list of top-name architects and specifically engaged with eight as part of the selection process. A fundamental quality of the winning architect was the demonstration of its ability to listen and collaborate with all stakeholders as part of the design process.

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Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground.

Stadium for Bath intends to submit a final design for planning approval during 2018.

Commenting on today’s announcement Tarquin Mcdonald, Bath Rugby Chief Executive said:

“This project is about a Club that plays its rugby and lives in the heart of Bath – a World Heritage site – and has done so for over 150 years. However, if we want to continue to be Bath Rugby and remain in the heart of this unique city we must be so much more than a rugby club. Stadium for Bath is about delivering a new home for Bath Rugby but it is clear that this project is goes beyond that. It is about rugby as a catalyst for riverside regeneration in the centre of Bath and the provision of significant community benefits that create a legacy for everyone whether or not they are rugby supporters.

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Tarquin Mcdonald, CEO for Bath Rugby.

“We have spent months undertaking a robust architect selection process and believe that we now have the best team in place to design an amazing place to watch rugby and a truly exceptional destination that will become a jewel in the city’s crown.

“We will now accelerate the design process and we look forward to consulting with stakeholders across the city, including local residents and our supporters, as we all work together to create a brilliant legacy for Bath.”

Kirsten Lees, Partner at Grimshaw

“We very much look forward to working with Stadium for Bath to deliver this hugely prestigious and exciting project. The site’s sensitive and complex location demands a very special and unique design response in order to deliver the project’s aspirational objectives. The scheme is set to deliver wider benefits to the city including riverside regeneration and an enhanced relationship with the Recreation Ground in order to provide an exceptional new home for Bath Rugby, emblematic of its place, its community and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath.”

The design aesthetic and stadium experience will be fundamental to the overall design solution. It is clear that the smart use of space at the site, the design of internal and operational spaces, and the landscape setting of the stadium will also be essential components of a successful design. Grimshaw has therefore appointed two further practices, Kay Elliot and Gross Max, as sub-contractors to provide further design expertise on this unique project.

Kay Elliot has been appointed Destination and Interiors Architect. Kay Elliot will have overarching responsibility for designing the internal look and feel of the new stadium. Internal areas include hospitality, player areas, bars and toilets, together with non-matchday uses such as conferencing and banqueting.

Gross Max has been appointed to lead on riverside design and the public realm to ensure that they are delivered to an exceptional standard befitting Bath.

Visit www.stadiumforbath.com for more information.

Classic look at architecture – in miniature.

Classic look at architecture – in miniature.

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The city’s iconic Royal Crescent is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year and – as part of a whole year full of special events – Bath Preservation Trust have just opened a special exhibition which features classical architecture in miniature.

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Guests admiring some of the models on display.

From Rome to the Royal Crescent traces the evolution of classical architecture from the ancient monuments of Rome, through the innovation of the Renaissance to the modern designs of 18th century Britain through the beautiful work of model maker Timothy Richards.

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Timothy Richards was on hand to answer questions about his models on display.

When the foundation stone was laid for the Royal Crescent in 1767 British architecture was dominated by a passion for Palladianism.

A fashionable style for both grand country houses and city structures, 18th century Palladianism was inspired by the buildings of ancient Greece and Rome as interpreted by Renaissance architects such as Andrea Palladio.

Through highly detailed models of some the key buildings in this story of stylistic development, this exhibition will reveal why the iconic Royal Crescent looks the way it does.

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Villa Rotonda – one of Timothy’s exquisite models.

Based in Bath, Timothy Richards specialises in telling the story of architecture through model making and has spent over 25 years refining his craft. The workshop has completed over 150 projects for both private and public commissioners.

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Another part of the display at No 1 Royal Crescent.

The exhibition is being held at No 1 Royal Crescent through to June 4th.  Bath Newseum spoke to its curator, Dr Amy Frost, during a special preview evening.

Find out more about the skills and processes behind the extraordinary work of Tim and his team of craftsmen at www.timothyrichardscommissions.com or visit this unique workshop.

Discover more  information about opening times at No 1 Royal Crescent  via  http://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/events/

From Rome to the Royal Crescent.

From Rome to the Royal Crescent.

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Models of classical buildings tell the story of architecture from Rome to the Royal Crescent in Bath

From Rome to the Royal Crescent launches a special year for Bath, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Royal Crescent.  It is an exhibition at No. 1 Royal Crescent, tracing the evolution of classical architecture from the ancient monuments of Rome, through the innovation of the Renaissance to the modern designs of 18th century Britain through the beautiful work of Bath-based model maker Timothy Richards.

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Royal Crescent – view of a model made by Bath-based model maker Timothy Richards.

His intricate models include a perfect replica of the Royal Crescent itself reflecting its monumental proportions and classical façade.

When the foundation stone was laid for the Royal Crescent in May 1767 British architecture was dominated by a passion for Palladianism.  A fashionable style for both grand country houses and city structures, 18th century Palladianism was inspired by the buildings of ancient Greece and Rome as interpreted by Renaissance architects such as Andrea Palladio, the Italian stone mason from Vicenza who became the most influential architect in the Western world. Through highly detailed models of some of the key buildings in this story of stylistic development, this exhibition will reveal why the iconic Royal Crescent looks the way it does.

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Queens House, Greenwich – another perfect replica by Timothy Richards.

Timothy Richards says:

“Children love models and react in a fundamental way. They, like us, are delighted by beauty and this exhibition is about beauty. The unique plaster models tell a simple story well, giving not only an understanding of a journey but also revealing the art of great architecture and our abiding love affair and debt to Italy and Rome.”

Great models combine not only passion and understanding but also something of the real building; an art form in their own right.’  

Based in Bath, Timothy Richards specialises in telling the story of architecture through model making and has spent over 25 years refining his craft. The workshop has completed over 150 projects for both private and public commissioners.

In 2013, Richards won the Arthur Ross Award, the US Institute of Classical Architecture and Art prize for artisanship in the classical tradition.

Find out more about the skills and processes behind the extraordinary work of Tim and his team of craftsmen at www.timothyrichardscommissions.com or visit this unique workshop.

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The Pantheon in Rome – as modelled by Timothy Richards.

  

FACTS

Exhibition: From Rome to the Royal Crescent

Dates: 11 February until 4 June 2017

Location: No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LR

Free with admission to the museum: Adult £10; Child £4; Family £22

http://www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk

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An aerial view of Bath featuring the Royal Crescent and Circus.

Be Social: #RoyalCrescent250 @No1Museum

#RoyalCrescent250 celebratory events continue all year, with further exhibitions, debates, community events, guided walks and artworks exploring the enduring power of a single building. Primarily focused in and around Bath Preservation Trust’s three city-centre museums, there are also activities in partnerships with Bath Festivals, RIBA South West and The Natural Theatre Company.

Bath’s 2017 is going to be Crescent shaped.

Bath’s 2017 is going to be Crescent shaped.

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On May 19th, 1767 the foundation stone was laid for the construction of what many would now consider to be Bath’s most iconic Georgian building.

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So 2017  has a 250th anniversary to celebrate and – thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund award and other donations – Bath Preservation Trust – in collaboration with other cultural organisations – will be leading a whole host of walks, talks, exhibitions and free public events to mark this architectural date in history.

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News of the foundation stone being laid from the Bath Chronicle.

Caroline Kay, Chief Executive of the Trust, outlined plans at an informal meeting of representatives of other cultural organisations, held at the Holburne Museum.

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The informal gathering at the Holburne Museum getting a briefing on next year’s anniversary plans.

She is anxious to encourage other bodies to come on board and maybe work in some reference to the Royal Crescent in whatever programme of events they may be planning for next year.

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The 250th anniversary logo

She also unveiled the logo the Trust will be using to promote the planned celebrations – which also coincide with the 30th anniversary of Bath’s inscription by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

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Bath Preservation Trust Chief Executive Caroline Kay unveils the 250th anniversary logo for the Royal Crescent.

There is much to be finalised and an official launch in the New Year – once the exact HLF funding has been determined  – but here is a rough idea of some of what is in store from a  Bath Preservation Trust briefing:

“No other building represents the architectural innovation, social identity and creative imagination of Georgian Britain better than the Royal Crescent in Bath.  The foundation stone for this masterpiece of 18th century design was laid on 19th May 1767 and since then it has become one of the most famous buildings in Britain. 

It stands as a doorway through which the history of the Georgian period can be discovered and the architecture of the future inspired. 

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Via exhibitions, debates, events and artworks the museums of Bath Preservation Trust will lead a year-long city-wide celebration of the Royal Crescent’s 250th anniversary – which also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Bath’s inscription by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Working in collaboration with other cultural organisations the celebrations will include over 70 events so far with lectures, walks, workshops and film screenings. There will be concerts and illuminations – even a grand parade.

I will keep Bath Newseum followers in the picture, but do also keep an eye on the Bath Preservation Trust website http://www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/http://www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/