The Twentieth Century Society

Campaigning for outstanding buildings

Online: Great Exhibitions of the Twentieth Century Lecture Series: 2. Wembley 1924: The World’s First Concrete City, Kathryn Ferry

British Empire Exhibition Wembley 1924 map, designed by Edward Bawden and Thomas Derrick
Credit: TFL

Spring Lecture Series 2025: Great Exhibitions of the Twentieth Century:
2. Wembley 1924: The World’s First Concrete City, Kathryn Ferry

Thursday 6 February 2025 at 6.30pm

Online

The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley was a hugely ambitious event but as a celebration of Imperial power it has long been contentious and remains little studied. Architecturally it deserves greater recognition for its bold use of concrete to create permanent buildings including the famous Wembley Stadium. Even the national pavilions and smaller advertising kiosks were made of concrete to assist with their rapid construction by a workforce of unemployed war veterans. The site planning and overall vision were entrusted to architects John W Simpson and Maxwell Ayrton working alongside engineer Owen Williams. So many other designers also contributed their expertise that this long overlooked exhibition offers a valuable snapshot of British design a century ago.

Dr Kathryn Ferry is a historian who specialises in architecture and design, particularly as they relate to the British seaside. Her wider research interests include a general love of the interwar period, which prompted her to explore the Wembley exhibition for a centenary article in Country Life magazine. She is passionate about sharing forgotten stories and regularly contributes to television and radio. Her next book on Twentieth Century Seaside Architecture will be published by Batsford in May 2025.

Zoom price:
C20 Society Members: £7;
Non-Members: £10;
Young C20 member + guest: Free*;
Student + guest: £4**.

* 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.

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.

We will send you a Zoom link by email after you book, which will enable you to ‘join’ the event. You should receive an automated link within an hour of booking so please check your spam/junk emails if you haven’t received this. Any further problems please contact coordinator@c20society.org.uk.

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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 1110244

Above image: British Empire Exhibition Wembley 1924 map, designed by Edward Bawden and Thomas Derrick
Credit: TFL

THIS BOOKING IS FOR A ZOOM ONLINE TICKET ONLY.

Booking Closed

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