From Westminster to Waterloo Bridge: A Winter Walk along the South Bank
From Westminster to Waterloo Bridge: A Winter Walk along the South Bank
Saturday 22 February 2025
Start time/place: 11am/ Westminster Bridge
Finish time/place: 12.30-1pm/ Waterloo Bridge
Stefan Cucos will lead a walk along London’s South Bank, starting at the south end of Westminster Bridge. From here, with a good view of the north bank, there will be a short discussion of how 20th century north bank buildings contrast in form and purpose with those on the South Bank (essentially establishment and national government versus arts and local government). The north bank includes Portcullis House, New Scotland Yard, Ministry of Defence, Embankment Place, Shell-Mex Building and the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
After this description and context, an exploration of the South Bank, between Westminster and Waterloo Bridges, commences starting at County Hall by Ralph Knott (1911-1922). After a mention of the London Eye (completed March 2000), the space that was once occupied by the Festival of Britain (1951) will be considered. Followed by the Royal Festival Hall (1951) built in the Modernist style by Sir Robert Matthew and Sir Leslie Martin.
Proceeding downstream, the walk will take in the Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room (1963-68 by LCC Special Works Group) finishing by the National Theatre (1961-76 by Sir Denys Lasdun) and Waterloo Bridge.
Stefan Cucos is a Londoner and member of the C20 Society. He has previously organised walks for Open House in London. He is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Building History.
The walk is on mainly flat ground and possibly busy pavements. There are some steps on the route. The walk will go ahead unless there is a Met Office severe weather warning.
C20 Member £15 Non-member £20 Young C20 member £10*
*For Young C20 members, please email coordinator@c20society.org.uk to secure a place.
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The Twentieth Century Society is an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building conservation) recognised CPD provider.
The Twentieth Century Society is a registered charity, no 1110244A
Above: GLC-era JCDecaux illuminated fingerpost sign on the South Bank (c1980), locally listed in 2023.
Image credit: Creative Commons