The Story of the South Bank

The Story of the South Bank & Brutal Bristol

Ambitious, visionary, and profoundly generous, London’s South Bank embodies the enduring legacy of post-war Brutalism. Emerging from the optimism of the 1951 Festival of Britain, it redefined the Thames riverfront as a civic stage—prioritising culture, accessibility, and public life at an unprecedented scale.

From bold concrete forms to elevated walkways and open terraces, its architecture reflects a belief in collective experience and the power of design to serve society. The South Bank’s evolution reveals how these ideals have been challenged, adapted, and reinterpreted over time, balancing preservation with contemporary demands.

Join Architect & C20 Chair Sandy Rattray as he unpacks the architectural, cultural, and societal story of the South Bank.

This talk is the latest chapter in our Brutalism series. Closer to home, we’ll also dip our toe into examples of Brutalism in Bristol.

This talk is open to public and professionals alike.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Sandy Rattray

Sandy Rattray is a governor of the Southbank Centre and is the co-author with Eleanor Jolliffe of ‘Royal Festival Hall: A living icon’.  After a career in financial markets he went to the Bartlett School of Architecture to study architectural history and worked as a Director at Allies and Morrison in London focussing on their international work.  His research interests are the cultural and architectural links between Scandinavia and Britain.

Andrew Eberlin & Elliott Sargent, Bristol Modernist Society

Our talks are open to the public and professionals alike.
The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA