Alan Powers

ELAIN. POWERS HARWOOD (ALAN.)

ErnőGoldfinger (1902-87) is one of the most celebrated modern architects to work inBritain in the twentieth century. Born in Hungary and trained in Paris,he was subject to influences that he synthesised in his work: the craft ofproducing fine concrete with classical refinement of composition from histeacher Auguste Perret, the drama of scale from the work of Le Corbusier, andfrom Adolf Loos, a special sensitivity in handling interior space andrespecting local character. Goldfinger's career among the great names of modernart and architecture in Paris was diverted when he married the artist UrsulaBlackwell and settled in London in 1934, designing furniture, shop interiorsand a few houses up to 1939. In his career after 1945, Goldfinger broughta distinctive European sophistication to the architecture of his adoptedculture, but while respected by fellow architects and elected to membership ofthe Royal Academy, he remained an outsider in English Modernism. Onlywhen in 1996 the National Trust opened his own pre-war home in Hampstead withits fine collection of abstract and surrealist art, and his dramatic lateresidential slab blocks, Balfron and Trellick towers became part of a cult ofBrutalism, did his star begin to rise. He now enjoys a fame never enjoyedduring his lifetime. Written bytwo leading experts of mid-century architecture, this is the first detailedsurvey of the full range of Goldfinger's work. It is stunningly illustrated bynew photography as well as images and plans from Goldfinger's own extensivearchive.

ELAIN. POWERS HARWOOD (ALAN.)

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