Author Archives: Crompton

Card No.3

This is architecture. Gets easier as you go on. Click HERE for the full set of cards…

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Don’t let the Building Inspector see this

  The ruins of Charles Barry’s Upper Brook Street chapel were scaffolded inside whilst the roof was removed. This Continuity in Architecture photograph was taken looking into the abyss from a swinging bucket. Last chance to see…

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Card No.4

Good design has more than one reason.

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Card No.5

Things are exactly as they appear and behind them there is nothing.

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Anthropomorphic house

This one is different, it has nostrils. (Viollet-le-Duc)

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Le Corbusier backwards

Reversing Corb’s maxim that buildings should imitate cars this 4.3 litre V2 GN Racer from 1910 uses a nice domestic brass light switch for its ignition. Capable of 80 m.p.h this terrifying car has no seat belts and no roll … Continue reading

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Appeal for information: Where is this?

This old photograph was discovered in bin bags at Manchester University. Where is this beautiful garden? If you know please mail andrew@cromp.com

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Africa House

Africa House, Holborn, London. High up on Africa House, Holborn, are armed Superheroes with elephants crocodiles and a camel, Jumanji on the roof one might say. If an African vignette was carved today what would it look like?

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France v Britain: Who has the best ironmongery?

Locks in Musée Marmaton, Paris and a Northamptonshire cottage compared: precision gilded case and too cheap to have a case.

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Card No.6

Loxodromic line. Infinity going inwards.

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Pseudo-Wood Demolished

13th January 2008 The First Church of Christ Scientist, Castlemere Street, Rochdale is being demolished. Built between 1911-14 the architect was Thomas Butterworth of 78 King Street Manchester, the same address as the office of Wood and Sellers. It is … Continue reading

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Pour your own Ionic

Its a tree, a waterfall, a long dress.

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