The Twentieth Century Society

Campaigning for outstanding buildings

Going with the Flow: Springtime for Clerkenwell Walk

Spa Green Estate, Finsbury - Skinner, Bailey & Lubetkin, 1950.

Going with the Flow: Springtime for Clerkenwell Walk

Saturday 5 April 2025

Start time/place: 10.30am/ Angel tube station, High Street, London N1 9LQ

Finish time/place: 12.30pm/ Farringdon station, Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6BY

Frank Burgess will lead a walk through the former Borough of Finsbury to see how the template of modern Britain emerged from former slums and bomb sites, driven by some of the most visionary architectural designs of the last century.

We will be exploring the work of celebrated twentieth century architects such as Berthold Lubetkin, including his groundbreaking buildings ranging from the Finsbury Health Centre (1935-8), Spa Green Estate (1946-50), and Bevin Court (1952-5).

Along the way will be some unexpected hidden gems and the chance to see how background context drove noble intentions, and how later compromises dissipated initial idealistic fervour.

Frank Burgess has been working for the last eight years as an accredited London Blue Badge Guide. A native Londoner with memories from age one of seeing concrete piloti awaiting assembly for Alton Estate Roehampton. His Irish immigrant family was among its earliest inhabitants. A fascination with the London townscape and its endlessly quirky variety dates from there.

C20 Members: £25*

Non-members: £30*

* If you would like to order a copy of Berthold Lubetkin (Twentieth Century Architects) by John Allan at the same time as purchasing a ticket, we can offer you a 10% discount on the book; please email coordinator@c20society.org.uk to take advantage of the offer. 

In the event of a Met Office weather warning, or severe weather, the walk will be rescheduled.

Click here for our cancellation policy.

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.

Twentieth Century Society is a registered charity, no 1110244

Above: Spa Green Estate, Finsbury - Skinner, Bailey & Lubetkin, 1950.
Credit: Morley von Sternberg

Booking Closed

Unfortunately, booking is closed for this event and we are no longer able to accept new bookings.

If you would like to be added to the waiting list for this event, please fill out the form below. We will contact you in the event of a cancellation to confirm your attendance.


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