FRS Yorke: and the Evolution of English Modernism

Between the early 1930s and 1950s, modernist architecture underwent a spectacular change of fortune in Britain from a small–scale avant–garde movement, to the official, state–funded architectural idiom of the post–1945 Welfare State.

FRS Yorke (1906 62) was the only architect who completely followed that trajectory. His book The Modern House (1934) placed his detailed knowledge of European architecture as an introduction to modern architecture for generations of architects, and provided inspiration for his own designs. But it was only after World War II, and the social and political change which came in its wake, that Yorke was able to turn his reputation as a modernist into commercial success. As his pre–War contemporaries gave up architecture or moved abroad, his practice Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall drew on his experience of working on large, state–funded construction projects during the War, and participated in the transformation of Britain s social and physical fabric with its new housing, hospitals, schools, universities and airports.

This book, the first study of this seminal figure in British architectural history, shows how Yorke found and exploited opportunities to pursue his architectural ambitions, though always retaining a pragmatic and humane approach to architecture which sometimes saw him at odds with the mainstream. It concludes with a memoir by David Allford, who worked with Yorke and Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall from 1952 until 1989..

Foreword.

Introduction.

Chapter 1 – Publishing Architecture in the 1930s: The Architectural Press and The Modern House.

Chapter 2 – Prefabrication and Construction.

Chapter 3 – Nude Sunbathers or Royal Tutors?: Clients and Patrons in the 1930s.

Chapter 4 – Enthusiasm, Ambiguity and Opportunity: An Individual Approach to Modernist Planning.

Chapter 5 – The Fruits of Professionalism.

Chapter 6 – FRS Yorke A Memoir 1952–62: ′If you don′t like what you′re doing, don′t do it′.

Sources.

Selected Bibliography.

Index.

JEREMY MELVIN is a writer who specialises in architecture. He has contributed to many professional, national and international publications. He studied Architecture and History of Architecture at the Bartlett, UCL, and teaches History of Architecture at South Bank University, London, as well as being a consultant to the Royal Academy s architecture programme

DAVID ALLFORD (1927 97) studied at Sheffield University and subsequently worked with Yorke from 1952 62, the last four years as a partner of Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall. He became the firm s senior partner in 1975 and chairman from 1987 until his retirement in 1989. He was awarded the CBE for services to architecture in 1984.

"...Melvin′s book is an essential contribution to the historiography of that period..." (Building Design, 17 April 2003)

"...entertaining account..." (Country Life, 24 April 2003)

"...Wiley is on good form..." (Architects Journal, 22 May 2003)

"...refreshing and perceptive?great anecdotes...a thought–provoking volume..." (RIBA Journal, June 2003)

"...nicely produced study..." (Architectural Review, July 2003)

"...a figure who deserves an analytical, thoroughly researched book and, on this level, Melvin doesn?t disappoint..." (Blueprint, July 2003)

"...The first book written about FRS Yorke provides some illuminating insights into the father of English modernism..." (ICON, July/August 2003)

"...an excellent book – we all owe Yorke a great debt for bringing English architecture out of it′s narrow confines..." (Architects Journal, Dec 03)