The National Army Museum - London, UK



Architect
William Holford & Partners
Date Built
1961 - 1971
Location
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea
Description
The National Army Museum building officially became home to the Army's historical collection in 1971 after it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II.  It describes its mission as, "To gather, maintain and make known the story of the British Army and its role and impact in world history. To provide a museum experience that meets the widest range of public need and connects the British public with its Army."  Of the building it adds that it is, " Home to historic works of art and the latest captivating collections from modern day conflict, the Museum offers magnificent galleries, modern spaces and functional meeting rooms, making it an ideal venue for all your event needs."



The building's architect, William Holford, was the Professor of Civil Design at Liverpool University and a town planner regarded as largely responsible for the Town & Country Planning Act of 1947.  In the 1960s he was responsible for the redevelopment of an old RAF base into the new village of Berinsfield of which Pevsner said that it was, " ... an opportunity missed... little more than a huge council estate... with brick semis and terraces of the most dismal kind, sprawled out aimlessly along dreary streets...".  He was also responsible for the post-war redevelopment of Paternoster Square.  However, it was greeted with an equal level of enthusiasm and redeveloped between 1993 and 2003.



Close Window