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Festival of Britain EAW035702
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Festival of Britain EAW035702
Festival of Britain, London 1951. The South Bank site, showing the Skylon and Dome of Discovery. Photographed with crowds of people on site on 12th May 1951
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 13153532
© Historic England Archive
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, EAW035702 from the Historic England Archive, transports us back in time to the vibrant and iconic Festival of Britain in London, held in 1951. The image, taken on the 12th of May that year, showcases the South Bank site with its two most notable structures: the Skylon and the Dome of Discovery. The Skylon, a towering, futuristic sculpture designed by the artist Henry Moore and the architects Powell and Moya, stands proudly in the foreground. Its sleek, streamlined form, reminiscent of a rocket, embodied the optimistic spirit of post-war Britain and the country's renewed focus on science, technology, and progress. In the background, the Dome of Discovery, designed by the architects Mott, Hay and Anderson, dominates the scene. This impressive geodesic dome housed various exhibits, including the "Britain's Seas" display, which showcased the country's maritime history and its ongoing exploration of the seas. The photograph is further enlivened by the presence of the crowds of people, filling the site with a sense of excitement and wonder. Dressed in their Sunday best, they gather to take in the sights, sounds, and experiences that the Festival of Britain had to offer. The atmosphere is one of joy, unity, and hope, as London and the rest of Britain came together to celebrate their nation's resilience and renewed spirit following the hardships of World War II. This photograph, a testament to a pivotal moment in British history, continues to inspire awe and fascination, offering a glimpse into the past and reminding us of the transformative power of art, architecture, and human spirit.
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