The Twentieth Century Society

Campaigning for outstanding buildings

In person: Antonín and Noémi Raymond: Culturally Collaborative Design Practice in Postwar Japan Lecture

Above image: Concert hall at the Gunma Music Centre Takasaki 1961
©Kitazawa-Archives.jpg

Antonín and Noémi Raymond: Culturally Collaborative Design Practice in Postwar Japan Lecture

Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 6.30pm

The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6EJ

A talk by Helena Čapková which will explore the architectural work of Antonin Raymond (1888-1976) in postwar Japan, revealing a complex collaborative design practice with his wife Noémi (1889-1980), many Japanese architects, craftspeople, and industrial designers.

Antonin and Noémi Raymond accompanied Frank Lloyd Wright to Tokyo in 1919 to work on the now-legendary Imperial Hotel, and essentially never left. Except for the war years, they made their home in Tokyo for over four decades, running one of the most dynamic, influential architecture firms in history.

The Raymonds created more than 400 designs and greatly impacted modern Japanese architecture through their own work and that of such significant figures as Junzo Yoshimura and Kunio Maekawa, whom they employed. Raymond has been credited with fusing Japanese traditional architecture with contemporary design, leading directly to Japan’s great mid-century building boom and its continued stature in the global architectural arena.

Helena Čapková is an Associate Professor of Art History at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto. She has published extensively on the transnational entanglements and intersections between Czech and Japanese designers in the early part of the 20th century. Her curatorial practice has resulted in exhibitions in Japan, the US and Czech Republic.

C20 Society Members: £10;
Non-Members: £15;
Young C20 member + guest  Free*; 
Student + guest**: £5.

*For Young C20 members, please email  coordinator@c20society.org.uk to secure a place.

**For student pricing please select from the dropdown option next to 'membership number' on the booking form below.

Includes a glass of wine

Click here for our latest cancellation policy.

Note: This event is hybrid and is being run both in-person at Cowcross Street Gallery and online via Zoom. The event will be recorded and offered as a catch-up lecture for those who have booked and will be available for two weeks.

Not a member yet? Join Here and benefit from event ticket discounts.

Looking to support our campaigning? Donate to our casework Here.

The Twentieth Century Society is an IHBC (Institute of Historic Building conservation) recognised CPD provider.

The Twentieth Century Society is a registered charity, no 1110244

Above image: Concert hall at the Gunma Music Centre Takasaki 1961
©Kitazawa-Archives.jpg

THIS BOOKING IS FOR AN IN-PERSON TICKET ONLY (COWCROSS STREET GALLERY)

Book Now

Fill up the form below to book a spot in the event In person: Antonín and Noémi Raymond: Culturally Collaborative Design Practice in Postwar Japan Lecture.

C20 members — save time when booking by logging in first — Login now

Personal Details

Name

Address

  • How many places do you require?