Imagining Empire: Designing the Commonwealth Institute

This book explores the architecture and exhibition galleries of the Commonwealth Institute, highlighting how they created an immersive experience of the Commonwealth for the British public during the post-war period. It features unpublished plans, drawings, and photographs and sheds light on the various and often unstable ways in which the concept of the Commonwealth was presented.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2021
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

This book is a comprehensive exploration of the architecture and exhibition galleries of the Commonwealth Institute, shedding light on how they combined to create an immersive experience of the Commonwealth. As part of a broader shift in post-war Britain towards a future without its Empire, the Institute's strikingly modern building and dynamic displays played a pivotal role. Featuring unpublished plans, drawings, and historic photographs, the book delves into the diverse and often unstable ways in which the concept of the Commonwealth was presented to the British public.

The book begins by tracing the history of the Imperial Institute, which was reborn as the Commonwealth Institute in Holland Park after undergoing a significant transformation. It then outlines the circumstances that led to the Institute's move to High Street Kensington. Through the lens of three key players—Kenneth Bradley, architect Stirrat Johnson-Marshall, and exhibitions designer James Gardner—the book reveals how the Commonwealth Institute was conceptualized and developed.

Kenneth Bradley, the Institute's director, played a crucial role in shaping its vision. Architect Stirrat Johnson-Marshall, the RNJN partner in charge of the project, brought his expertise in modernist architecture to bear. James Gardner, renowned for his work in projecting British national identity at international exhibitions, contributed to the design of the Institute's displays.

The architecture of the Commonwealth Institute is a testament to its commitment to modernity and progress. The building, designed by architect Stirrat Johnson-Marshall, features a sleek and functional design with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The exhibition galleries, designed by James Gardner, are spacious and well-lit, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors to explore the diverse exhibitions on display.

The displays inside the Institute also played a significant role in conveying the concept of the Commonwealth. Through a combination of visual and interactive elements, they showcased the achievements and diversity of the Commonwealth countries, highlighting their contributions to world culture, science, and technology. The exhibitions also explored the history and legacy of the Commonwealth, exploring the challenges and opportunities that the organization faced in the post-colonial era.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insight into the architecture and exhibition galleries of the Commonwealth Institute. Through its comprehensive exploration of the Institute's history, design, and displays, it sheds light on the complex and multifaceted relationship between architecture, politics, and the representation of national identity. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and development of modern architecture, as well as the role of institutions like the Commonwealth Institute in shaping the global landscape.

Weight: 746g
Dimension: 249 x 179 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848224100