My Love Letter to Alexandra Palace. The Art and Architecture That Captured My Heart.

There’s something truly magical about Alexandra Palace. Nestled amidst the enchanting hills of North London, it is a shining example of Victorian architecture and a rich slice of history. For me, visiting this iconic venue goes beyond a pleasant afternoon- it's a heartfelt connection with its art and architecture.

The Majestic Palm Court: A Hidden Gem in London

Upon entering the Palm Court, I am immediately enveloped in elegance. This stunning glass-roofed area is beautiful and a brilliant architectural feat. It floods the space with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, what I cherish most about the Palm Court is its role as a gathering place. Whether families enjoy a meal or friends relax with coffee, it is a vibrant hub of community life.

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An Ode to the Theatre: Celebrating London's Cultural Heritage

Just a short stroll from the Palm Court lies the magnificent Theatre, where history resonates through its walls. This intimate space boasts intricate details and rich red velvet curtains that draw you in. Here, countless performances have taken place, each adding a layer to the story of this grand establishment.

The Grand Organ: A Musical Marvel

One of the standout features of Alexandra Palace is undoubtedly its organ, which is one of the largest in the UK. During live performances, the music reverberates throughout the halls, filling the audience with awe. This magnificent instrument is a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era and stands as a historical piece in its own right.

For architecture lovers, the organ is a true masterpiece. It showcases intricate woodwork and design, which is breathtaking on its own. Every note played transports listeners back in time, creating an unforgettable auditory experience. According to music experts, the organ produces over 2,000 pipes that create a blend of sounds capable of evoking deep emotions!

Rose Window: A Kaleidoscope of Light and Art

As I approach the rose window, tranquility envelopes me. The vibrant colours glimmer through the stained glass, creating breathtaking patterns of light on the floor. Find a peaceful spot nearby to reflect on the craftsmanship involved, which offers a stunning focal point in the southern gallery!

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The Iconic BBC Tower

The birthplace of television, the BBC Tower stands tall against the skyline. It symbolises innovation and connection, highlighting the Palace's role in media history. A modern contrast to the otherwise traditional architecture, this tower has a significant history.

These early transmissions were famously introduced by one of the very first presenters, Elizabeth Cowell, with the words, "This is direct television from Alexandra Palace…".

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Winter Sledging or summer boating?

While Alexandra Palace is stunning in every season, winter brings a unique charm. The slopes come alive with activity, where visitors of all ages zip down, transforming the area into a winter wonderland.

Come summer, the boating lake becomes the heart of the action. Swans, dragons, ducks, and even car-shaped pedal boats glide across its shimmering emerald waters. All set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Palace, summer at Alexandra Palace is truly magical.

London summers are fleeting, making every sunny day feel extra special. Boating on the lakes takes me back to childhood—pedaling colourful swans and ducks, working up a sweat, yet never too tired to sprint to the corner soft-serve stand for a cone of creamy vanilla snow, crowned with rainbow sprinkles.

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Love architecture, art, or are you simply looking for things to do in London? Alexandra Palace is waiting for you. Experience the enchantment as I have!

Let's draw Alexandra Palace!

Let's bookmark my ten top Brutalist buildings in London.

My fascination with Brutalist architecture began nearly 10 years ago. We had just moved to London at the time, and I had just landed a low paying job in a startup, and using public transport to get to my office in East London was not an option.

Used to a rather cushy commute of an air conditioned car and driver in Mumbai, the reality of life in London was an eye opener in many many ways. Encouraged by my husband I reluctantly picked up a cycle, downloaded citymapper and there was no looking back. I took a different route daily from Cally Road to Whitechapel, and encountered a plethora of varied and interesting architecture, street art, markets and mysterious lanes. Lunch breaks spent wandering around brick lane photographing graffiti.

Wasting the days in a rather dull way making promo pos I was keen on doing something creative to prevent brain rot, was when I thought of illustrating my journey through London rather than taking photos.

The so called 'ugly' concrete buildings in London reminded me of apartments in Mumbai. I don't think anyone labeled them 'Brutalist' or 'Modernist' as a way of acknowledging their architectural style or quality - they were just flats- one floor over the other, tiny windows and non existent balconies, crumbling concrete, fading exteriors. Absolutely no thought put in whatsoever except perhaps how to fit in maximum capacity in the tiniest of spaces. They were truly ugly in every sense.

My first encounter with the Barbican left me confused- a concrete cluster of buildings but yet fascinating. The sense of space, and a feeling of a mini world enclosed within. The conservatory was something I would have never imagined to exist in such a location.

I often wondered what it would feel like peering out of one of those quirky inverted arch windows on snowy night.

The Barbican Conservatory

Shakespeare Tower

Barbican Windows

Barbican Conservatory, Barbican Pride Bookmarks

We moved to Brixton in 2019, our first taste of South London and it was delicious. Brutalist architecture at the heart of Brixton. Brixton Rec that hits you just as you exit the overground, the iconography on the facade designed to make an impression. And just across we are confronted with the great Barrier Block, a mammoth of a building with the tiniest windows and a distinct chilling dystopian feel, on a street aptly named 'Coldharbour Lane'

Barrier Block (Southwyck House) Brixton

Brixton Rec, Brixton

Brutalist Brixton Bookmarks

One of my first assignments on a short typography course at Central Saint Martins was to match a font with a building or architecture in London. This was so interesting as I picked up my camera and took a walk along Southbank. Back to back there was Tate, the National Theatre and Hayward Gallery. I stood there with a large cutout of an 'A' of Akzidenz-Grotesk. Matching the bold letter to the shapes and lines on these buildings.

National Theatre, Southbank London

I don't know why the demolition of this car park made me sad. It was just so beautiful. Yes, maybe it was impractical, occupying a prime location near Oxford Street, but I wonder if the facade could have been preserved in some way. Bookmarking this as a lost diamond.

Welbeck Street Car Park, London

Elephant & Castle. Another pitstop on my commute from Central London to Brixton. Metro Central Heights is one of those complexes that was so confusing to me. Chunks of 'window apartments' - I couldn't figure where it began, where it ended. Your first impression of true South London as you cross the river. Crowd, chaos, colour. An old shopping centre with the cute elephant statue, that always looks extremely busy.

Ok, this was more than a decade ago, things have changed a bit now with modern new builds, and a bunch of independent shops. The tired shopping centre has been retired, the elephant been given a mini makeover and a fresh coat of paint sits on a shiny pedestal :0

Metro Central Heights, Elephant & Castle

Elephant & Catsle bookmarks

Our next stop is Stockwell. The bus garage. Who would have thought? Isn't it spectacular? Sometimes I illustrate the most random of places, knowing fully well only a handful of people might appreciate or even buy the print. One of those idiots not jumping on the cutesy kitchen print trend filling the shelves of the Oliver Bonases. Just happy doing more garages and car parks and injecting my love for colour into them.

Stockwell Bus Garage, South London

And lastly, ofcourse,- the great Trellick Tower. So west london doesn't feel too excluded :-) Just kidding, the Trellick and Balfron pair were the first brutalist buildings I ever illustrated. I wasn't even selling them at the time, till I shared it with a random stranger at a print shop in Soho. He said 'Goldfinger! these are lovely - I would absolutely buy them'. It's when I gathered there is something about Brutalist architecture that not everybody, but some people absolutely appreciate and love!

Trellick Tower

So that's my mini tour of Brutalist buildings I love. Not a random assortment, coming to think of it- all of them have a personal connection or memory of my time in London. Bookmark these for yourself or your brutalist nerd buddy!

https://www.eyeforlondonprints.com/product-page/the-brutalist-collection-of-london-bookmarks

Exploring Brutalist London: A Tour of Alexandra Road Estate

Are you a brutalist nut looking for something exciting to kickstart the new year? Or just an architecture enthusiast, simply fascinated by the bold and unapologetic lines of Brutalism, then mark your calendar.

The Alexandra Road Estate in Camden, one of London’s most iconic Brutalist landmarks, is opening its doors to the public for a unique tour run by Steph of Brutalist London This is no ordinary walk through architectural history – it’s an immersive experience that delves deep into the ethos of Brutalism, the genius of Neave Brown, and the challenges faced by modernist heritage in today’s urban landscape. When Eye for London Prints were approached to sponsor this unique tour, we were beyond excited!

The tour begins with a rare opportunity to step inside a flat that has been preserved in its original 1970s condition. Designed by Neave Brown, this flat retains all its original features, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the architect's vision of modern living. It's like walking into a time capsule, where every detail reflects Brown’s commitment to practicality, community, and aesthetics.

Guided by a close friend of Neave Brown, you’ll learn about the philosophy that inspired the estate's design. Brown, a staunch advocate for social housing, envisioned Alexandra Road as more than just a place to live—it was to be a thriving community with its own green spaces and a sense of identity that stood apart from traditional housing developments of the era.

The Walk Through Brutalist Beauty

After exploring the flat, the tour continues through the estate itself. You’ll wander along the dramatic concrete terraces and pathways, experiencing first-hand the interplay of light, shadow, and texture that defines Brutalist architecture. The tour also includes a stroll through the nearby park, a vital element of Brown's design that connects the estate to the natural world while offering a retreat for residents.

As you walk, the guide will share anecdotes about the estate's history and its reception over the decades—from initial scepticism to its current status as a beloved icon of architectural boldness.

The Future of Alexandra Road Estate

While the Alexandra Road Estate is celebrated as a masterpiece of Brutalism, it hasn’t been without its struggles. The tour provides an insider’s perspective on the estate’s ongoing battle with Camden Council and the challenges of preserving such a unique structure. As urban priorities shift and maintenance costs rise, the estate’s future hangs in a delicate balance.

Learn about the campaigns to safeguard this architectural gem, and hear from passionate advocates who are determined to ensure that Neave Brown’s legacy endures.

A goody bag!

The fun continues after the tour ends with a goody bag! I'm happy to share that as one of the sponsors of the tour, some of my brutalist mini notebooks and bookmarks are part of this quirky assortment of keepsakes.

Join the waitlist here for the next tour; I believe they run every month.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/alexandra-road-estate-brutalist-tours-tickets-1085254077159?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Eye for London Prints- Brutalist London Mini Notebooks

Brixton Rec Centre, Eye for London Prints