Festival of Britain

Just 6 short years after the end of World War II London and indeed much of Britain was still visibly damaged and structural and emotional rebuilding were badly needed. On May 3rd 1951 under the guidance of a young architect by name Hugh Casson the 'Festival' opened simultaneously at a site on London’s South Bank close to Waterloo Station and at various venues around the UK.

The Festival was an attempt by Gerald Barry and the Labour Deputy Leader Herbert Morrison to give Britons a feeling of resurgence and development and to endorse better-quality design in the rebuilding of British towns and cities following the war. Hugh Casson was knighted the following year for his successful efforts in managing and directing operations. Artist, designers and sculptors who assisted on various projects such as poster design and murals included Barbara Jones, Richard Guyatt, Keith Vaughan, David McFall, Felix Topolski, Jan Le Witt, Abraham Games, Lynn Chadwick, Fred McWilliam, Peter Lanyon and John Tunnard.

Image(s) below (click to enlarge):