Repair and Contrast - Dudley Zoo at 80
13/05/2017
Repair and Contrast – Dudley Zoo at 80
Saturday 13th May 2017
Led by Stuart Tappin & Jon Wright
Dudley Zoo is a major work from the 1930s by Tecton, Berthold Lubetkin and Ove Arup (working for the contractor Kier) which opened to the public on 17th May 1937. Twelve of the original 13 concrete structures remain and all are listed Grade II or II*. Together they arguably form the most important group of modern movement buildings in the UK and C20 has been closely involved with their recent repair and restoration.
The day will start with illustrated talks on the history of the construction of the zoo by architectural historian Jon Wright, and recent conservation work by structural engineer Stuart Tappin. Special access has been arranged to the Grade II* Bear Ravine (no longer inhabited!) which will be followed by a buffet lunch in the Queen Mary café. In the afternoon there will be a tour of other Tecton structures guided by a local expert and further time to explore the rest of the zoo.
Start: Sandwell & Dudley train station at 10.30am. Coach transport will be provided from here to Dudley Zoo. For members travelling from London there is a direct train from Euston to Sandwell & Dudley at 0843 arriving 1024. The tour will start outside the original Tecton zoo entrance on Dudley Hill at 11am.
Finish: 5.00pm. The coach will leave Dudley Zoo around 5.00 pm arriving back at Sandwell & Dudley in good time for the 1755 train.
Coffee on arrival and a buffet lunch is included in the price. Please notify C20 of any dietary requirements when booking.
Members: £35 Non Members: £45
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