Hi Gilliatt, I have been unable to post pictures to LItNet and it may be something to do with my using Vista, which has a lot of built-in security updates. I can only get a small x come up on the forum which won't let me view the picture. Are you able to access the picture? If so, could you please let me know. Thanks.
Hi Gilliatt, Yes I think what has been happening is that instead of clicking on the 'view converstion' director, I have been entering my messages into the box as you have suggested. I should have realised when I saw my own messages appearing on my profile page rather than they being transferred to you. Just put it down to too much wine.
Brian, I'm still not receiving your messages on my profile page. Is it possible that you are entering your responses in the text box that appears at the top of visitors messages on your profile page? My approach has been to click on the name of the person you are responding to in the bar adjacent to their avatar picture and then enter a response. I found your latest response below by a happen chance visit to your page. In the meantime, I am processing my project photos and composing the accompanying verbiage. I'll have it soon enough. Gilliatt
Part II RE: "...who are the people who decide these things?..." The usual suspects. You know the type; charismatic, eccentrics donning shades in fashion and pockets full of pounds who just happened to read a flattering article on Stalinist architecture while cruising in their private Gulfstream heading back to London following an opera in Paris. Having read the article they are now equipped with sufficient knowledge and self aggrandizement to foist their version of what “change” should mean on society or in this case, architecture. Why? because they can do it- out of spite! In the meantime, content innocence cries out; who determined that we need change? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” I am back home for the weekend, so I hope to pull a few photos together to post on the Architecture thread. Gilliatt
Part I Brian, Thanks for sharing a bit of London via Youtube. Unfortunately, I did not make my way across the Channel while touring Europe some years back. Having seen the video and perusing Sir Bannister Fletcher’s; “A History of Architecture, I believe the monumental, historical and traditional character of Whitehall architecture is too well established to be in danger of architectural vandalism as you put it. Sir Bannister Fletcher hi-lites the “Banqueting House” (designed by Inigo Jones) and the “Horse Guards” (designed by John Vardy). Both architects were greatly influenced by Palladio and the Italian Renaissance. I had to chuckle when I saw the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery. On the bookshelf directly behind me, sits a copy of Montgomery’s memoirs and a biography of George S. Patton. I keep them side by side, knowing how fond these two were of each other. Ha. Gilliatt
Brian, Ah ha... you did respond. I am really becoming baffled of late. Your three responses, which I can clearly see on your profile page here, do not show up on my page. I noticed a similar problem with another person trying to correspond with me. Yet, I obviously received your May 12th comment which led to this conversation. I have entered the Twilight Zone. In the meantime, I will now take a closer look at what you have to say and watch the video. Gilliatt
PART 2 The Stalinist style, or certainly that of the late 1940’s – 1955, would unquestionably wreck the rythym of Whitehall. At the same time I am not necessarily bashing the Stalinist style on it’s own, when used in the proper vernacular or context, i.e. – Russia. Keep in mind; I am primarily referring to earlier periods and certain architects during the Stalinist period. For example, this building is palatable to my taste FOR MOSCOW: (but not Whitehall): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pe...ulin_tower.jpg This is not palatable for any taste or any location: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mo...gomilovo_3.jpg Sounds like we need to dredge up your Architecture thread again. If you don’t mind I was considering using it to post a few images of the project that has consumed much of my family, books and litnet time for nearly a year. The grand opening is today (Friday the 14th) Gilliatt
PART 1 Brian, That is interesting and quite shocking when you realize what may have been. Many times I jokingly use the phrase; “what you don’t know what hurt you”. In this case too much ignorance could have led to disaster. Fortunately, it would appear that cooler, wiser heads prevailed in preserving established, centuries old form of architecture suitable for Whitehall. I briefly researched Whitehall: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pa...quare_1980.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Whitehall,_London.jpg Banqueting House – Architect Inigo Jones http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ba...use_London.jpg It appears that Palladio had some influence on the Banqueting House design. For example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pa...rto_sett07.jpg As I am posting this, I just realized I did not look up the buildings you actually mentined, such as the Treasury.
Gilliatt, I haven't been following the various architectural proposals recently because The Evening Standard newspaper, which regularly featured articles on proposed new development, has been taken over by a Russian and is no longer available through the old distribution points. However, I was enraged to hear a radio a programme about Whitehall, the thoroghfare that connects Trafalgar Square to Parliament, and it appears that during the 1960s (surelythe silliest decade ever) there were plans to demolish the magnifcent 19th century government buildings such as the Treasury the Foreign Office, Cabinet Office etc and replace them with huge concrete Stalinist style monstrosities. These were the days of Ted Heath and Harold Wilson, two of the biggest Prime Ministerial duds since WW11, so it's not that surprising but, fortunately, they didn't have the money and the plan was dropped.
