The Integration of the Arts / [presented by] Theo Crosby (Pentagram).

Format:

Sound recording

Contributor:

Crosby, Theo, narrator.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Architecture--Aesthetics.

Architecture.

Architecture, Modern--20th century.

Architecture, Modern.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (1 video file (26 minutes)): sound, color

Place of Publication:

London, England: Pidgeon Digital, 1979.

Summary:

The late Theo Crosby - architect, sculptor, designer, author, editor - was a partner in the London multi-design firm Pentagram. He fought throughout his working life for the integration of the arts, the subject of this talk. He says: "Early modern buildings often contained a great deal of art. New modern buildings invariably have none". Seeking the reason, he finds "roots in the nineteenth century and implications that illuminate many contemporary attitudes". For example, the Foreign Office in London which he has recently been examining is "an exercise by a superb professional" (Gilbert Scott). "The sculptures play two roles in the building... as physical ornaments... but they also carry a load of meanings and ideas which make the reading of the building more interesting". This sort of approach was discarded by the Modern Movement in the 20th century. The idea of integration was replaced by the idea of confrontation, the work of art now standing in isolation from the building. But, pleads Crosby, art is cheap at the moment and "an architect can very easily gather around him a team of artists, a great variety of capabilities which he can use of make a truly unique work".

Contents:

Theo Crosby

Dissatisfaction With The Environment. West London

Reims Cathedral

The Orders Of Architecture According To Vignola

Alberti's Malatestiano, Rimini

Ornament At Malatestiano

Foreign Office, Whitehall, London, By Sir George Gilbert Scott, 1875

The Foreign Office

The Foreign Office, Sculpture

The Foreign Office. One Element Of The Main Mass

The Foreign Office Reliefs Fill The Spaces

The Foreign Office Door

-The Foreign Office Ornament Round Door & Window

The Foreign Office Cast Iron Railings

The Foreign Office Main Gates

Sainsbury Art Centre, University Of East Anglia, By Foster Associates

Sainsbury Art Centre. Interior. External Cladding

Berto Lardera Sculpture, French Pavilion, Expo 67, Montreal

Richard Lippold Sculpture In Lincoln Center, New York

Rockefeller Center Ariel Sculpture

Ariel Sculpture

Constantin Nivola Cast Concrete Sculpture, Saarinen Yale Dormitory

Art Nouveau Signs On Black Friar Pub, Blackfriars, London

Edward Wright's Wall Decorations For UIA Congress Buildings, 1961, London.

Notes:

Title from publisher's website (viewed April 19, 2021).

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.