This is a sponsored article on behalf of Bishopsgate Institute.
From Roman walls to Victorian markets, from social housing to gleaming glass towers, our city boasts a rich mix of architecture. Making sense of the periods and styles can be challenging but infinitely rewarding. There's no better place to start than Bishopsgate Institute.
Bishopsgate Institute’s Special Collections and Archives hold over 250,000 images of London from the mid-Victorian period onwards, many of which are architectural.
The Institute's courses and walks draw on this incredible archive to help you understand the waves of architecture that made London the city it is today.
Walking Tours - The Architecture of Social Housing
This wide-ranging tour takes in different styles of social housing, from Somers Town and King's Cross to the Boundary Estate, Barbican and Golden Lane. Book here.
Unbuilt London - An Architectural History That Never Was
Sure to be popular, this half-day session looks at the wild and wonderful plans for London buildings and infrastructure that never came to fruition. Topics include unrealised plans for post-war reconstruction, the domestic architecture of Alison and Peter Smithson, and the radical visions of Cedric Price. Book here.
The Changing City - Building the Square Mile
London's skyline never stops changing. From Wren to the modern 'starchitects', this study day explores the evolving cityscape of the Square Mile. The day includes sessions in the lecture room, out on the streets, and in the buildings themselves. You'll even learn some architectural drawing techniques to wow your friends. Book here.
Modernist London in 10 Buildings
You might know a modernist building when you see one, but have you ever thought about what features define and distinguish this set of architectural styles? This session draws on 10 London examples, including the National Theatre and Trellick Tower, to help you understand these buildings. Book here.
Plus, on 10 October, the Institute will be launching Constructing Post-War Britain — a special chance to explore archives detailing the histories of men who worked on Britain's post-war building sites.
If you're inspired by these images and ideas, and want to learn more about the history of London architecture, check out Bishopsgate Institute's upcoming courses, events, tours and publicly accessible London Collections. You can also find Bishopsgate Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
