In 1930s Britain, local councils were having a heyday. From the late 19th century, the government had taken the reins on electricity, rail, postal services, telephone lines and water, amongst other public services. A thriving network of local councils, housed in town halls, was developed to support the activity. Between the two wars, 26 town halls were built across London.
The Grade II* listed Hornsey Town Hall, in north London’s pleasant neighbourhood of Crouch End, is a monument to this golden age. Completed in 1935, the building was designed by 27 year old Reginald Harold Uren, a Bartlett-school educated New Zealander and modernist. The brick exterior with its central tower and elongated windows was inspired by Hilversum Town Hall in the Netherlands – a town hall praised as exemplary by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
A progressive symbol of local government, the main town hall held a council chamber, committee rooms, offices and a hall for 800 people, and was flanked by an electricity showrooms. The design was a faithful reflection of late Edwardian British architecture, yet also combined modernist elements. The ornamental metal work and carved Portland stone nodded to the art deco and the arts and craft movements. While the steel and reinforced concrete structure lifted from Bauhaus-style construction.
Committee room at Hornsey Town Hall in 1935. Photo courtesy of RIBA
After it ceased operations as a town hall in the 1960s, it was periodically used for music and theatre, but was waiting for a bright idea – and some investment – to bring it back to life.
During this time, however, the interiors stayed remarkably preserved. The Ashton marble staircase, saucer chandeliers, Australian walnut and Indian laurel panelling and cork floors all show the decay of time, yet the town hall became a time capsule.
Fast-forward to 2019 and developer Far East Consortium has just broken ground on a restoration, renovation and regeneration for the whole site.
The restoration by Donald Insall Associates aims to take the building back to 1930s glory – with plans for reupholstered leather seating in the council chamber, restored signage, metal balustrading, parquet and terrazzo. Even the 73 clocks will be restored to working order.
When it reopens in 2022, the Hornsey Town Hall will be serving the people again – this time with an art centre, café, restaurant, hotel and co-working spaces. The Hornsey Town Hall Arts Centre will be operated by the Time + Space Co, with a rich programme of events, performances and comedy shows.
The entrance foyer at Hornsey Town Hall, currently being restored by Donald Insall Associates
The regeneration of the site also includes two new residential buildings with 146 homes. Make Architects’ design takes cues from the Hornsey Town Hall, with layered brickwork, geometric metal balustrades, and subtle art deco style interiors such as replica door handles and chevron timber flooring.
FEC’s plan combines restoration with contemporary architecture, but most importantly renews the purpose of the building: ‘Community spirit is very much at the core of Hornsey Town Hall’s future and we are looking forward to seeing this historic building becoming an integral part of the local community again,’ says Angela Walsh, head of sales and marketing at FEC.
So while the Hornsey Town Hall may be changing function from its original purpose, its restoration and preservation as a community building still pays respect to its history.
For the November issue (W*248), photographer Romain Duquesne captured politicians on the campaign trail at Hornsey Town Hall
Built in 1935, the Hornsey Town Hall is a monument to a golden age of local council leadership in Britain. The Grade II* listed brick building, inspired by a Dutch design with art deco and Bauhaus influence, is now undergoing a process of restoration and regeneration. Before works began, we explored the building with photographer Romain Duquesne, to follow a group of suave politicians on the campaign trail documenting body language, briefcases and Balenciaga – see the result in the November issue (W*248) – on newsstands now
INFORMATION
-
Venerable British car-maker AC goes OTT with the high-output, low-slung AC GT SuperSportPitched at all-American fans of the original AC Cobra, the GT SuperSport is a fearsome two-seat roadster with more muscle than ever before
-
The dynamic young gallerists reinvigorating America's art scene'Hugging has replaced air kissing' in this new wave of galleries with craft and community at their core
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekWhile a few of our editors were in Europe for various showcases and launches, others stayed local, uncovering new cuisines, eccentric exhibitions and glorious gardens this side of the Channel
-
The inimitable Norman Foster: our guide to the visionary architect, shaping the futureNorman Foster has shaped today's London and global architecture like no other in his field; explore his work through our ultimate guide to this most impactful contemporary architect
-
A guide to modernism’s most influential architectsFrom Bauhaus and brutalism to California and midcentury, these are the architects who shaped modernist architecture in the 20th century
-
Mayumi Miyawaki’s Fukumura Cottage puts this lesser-known Japanese modernist in the spotlightDiscover the little-known modernist architect through this private home in Japan’s Tochigi prefecture countryside
-
Shard Place offers residents the chance to live in the shadow of London’s tallest buildingThe 27-storey tower from Renzo Piano Building Workshop joins The Shard and The News Building to complete Shard Quarter, providing a sophisticated setting for renters
-
Eileen Gray: A guide to the pioneering modernist’s life and workGray forever shaped the course of design and architecture. Here's everything to know about her inspiring career
-
Kengo Kuma’s ‘Paper Clouds’ in London is a ‘poem’ celebrating washi paper in construction‘Paper Clouds’, an installation by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a poetic design that furthers research into the use of washi paper in construction
-
Foster + Partners to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth IIFor the Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Foster + Partners designs proposal includes a new bridge, gates, gardens and figurative sculptures in St James’ Park
-
Discover Canadian modernist Daniel Evan White’s pitch-perfect homesCanadian architect Daniel Evan White (1933-2012) had a gift for using the landscape to create extraordinary homes; revisit his story in an article from the Wallpaper* archives (first published in 2011)
