Despite living just over 10 miles from Bristol I rarely visit the city. I am naturally drawn to the countryside and I admit have little interest in the concrete jungle of our cities. Bristol does have it's fair share of concrete monstrosities, but it contains some wonderful architecture too.
I found myself outside the home of Bristol City Council, one beautiful day in April this year for my Brother's wedding. With an hour or so to kill I was faced with a dilemma; Photograph the area or visit the coffee shop on Park Street. I chose the former, but as it happens I managed to fit in a quick espresso too!
The Council House was designed by the architect Vincent Harris and was built between 1938 and 1956. One of the better buildings built in Bristol during the 20th century and arguably the last significant building built before the drab grey concrete jungle phase of the last century took over.
In recent years a large chunk of the concrete disasters have been demolished to make way for modern glass and steel architecture. Not everyone is a fan of this new style I admit, but they have to beat the awful grey multi-story car parks they largely replace. One such building, the truly awful Bristol and West tower building in the city centre, has been partially demolished and partially refurbished in the modern style. Now the Radisson Blu Hotel, it was a pleasant surprise to see it finally completed.
I am very tempted to visit Bristol again later this year for some dusk images of the modern architecture around the re-developed harbour side. Watch this space.
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