ARCHITECTURE
Part of Bristol’s architectural landscape is marked by the modernist style, with some excellent brutalist buildings. Library of Arts and Sciencesfor example, a sort of fortress with sloping windows, and the Clifton Cathedral: three-pointed spire and irregular hexagonal plan.
A unique case. Brutalismo leaner and more functional than London’s, often nestled in forgotten corners, but still capable of displaying its charm, it was for years the only source of pride – together with the Clifton Suspension Bridge – of a city with a too relaxed approach.
Of contemporary, apart from the Life Sciences Building Of Sheppard Robson and some bridges, there’s not much. “Icons are not really our style”, they explain from Ferguson Mann Architectsthe studio founded by GR Paget Ferguson, the mayor-architect elected in 2012 who has tried to correct the course of civic ambitions a little.
“One of his successes,” they say, “was the purchase of an old factory, one of the few remaining on the Imperial Tobacco site. It now houses lofts, offices, recreational areas and a small theater that has become a notable addition to the now bustling North Street.”
Here’s the point: “Bristol is a city with more discrete forms of development”, able to convert its industrial heritage into mixed-use spaces, dedicated to the community. Among others they cite the cinema Watershedinside a former port warehouse, still one of the most successful creative reuses, and the new foyer of the award-winning Old Vic Theatre di Haworth Tompkinswhich frames a Georgian brick wall in a wood and glass box.
«If you read the local press you can get the idea that Bristol is just a matter of brightly colored housessome Byzantine-influenced palaces and a rush to rebuild after the Second World War,” adds Helen Newman of FMA. “The extraordinary thing is that it is a collage of all of this, an architectural offering that was completely unexpected.”
Not very loud, sometimes naive, but definitely out of the ordinary. For the future, however, there are some ambitions. The expansion of the hi-tech hub designed by Grimshaw, around the Temple Meads station, where the innovative Engine Shed is already operating at full speed, and the new port, with green-blue infrastructures with zero carbon emissions.
A challenge. While we wait to see if the recent skyline-raising legislation greeted with dismay and derision by neighborhood committees will spark a new surge in civic activity, Ferguson Mann let us know that they are involved, along with a group of international architects, in the regeneration of Filton Airfield, the birthplace of Concorde. They plan to turn it into a neighborhood. No less.
It’s all laid out: houses, rail links, boulevards, community hubs, and a six-hectare park. The largest in 50 years.
MARTIN PARR
Ino point in asking Martin Parr what will he do in that day Bristol when he retires. “Photographers never retire,” he replies tersely. So no dog walks or site visits to check on the progress of the work. After all, he has never cared much about buildings – “with the exception of the beautiful Georgian architecture of the Royal York Crescent.” His focus is humanity.
He has been photographing her for years, in the most embarrassing situations: around the ketchup dispenser, under the hairdresser’s helmet, on the deckchair, with her wrinkles clearly visible. A merciless gaze, a penetrating irony. Favorite subjects: the English. Among them the Bristolians – who he also defines as “nice and easy-going” – of the series The Cost of Livingtaken during the Thatcher era and dedicated to the middle class. Parr was born in Epsom, 22 kilometers south of London, and arrived in Bristol in 1987, attracted by the excitement of the city.
“It’s very cultural,” he admits. He has travelled extensively since then, but has also continued to document the lives of his fellow citizens: from football fans watching England matches on giant screens to partygoers at St Paul’s Carnivalthe traditional Caribbean street party, one of his favorite events along with Pride.
Images of these works can be found in the library of the Martin Parr Foundationactive since 2014 in the modern Paintworks neighborhood, among former paint factories. It’s certainly worth a visit, even if only to snap some paparazzi, Parr, who has his office there. His house, however, is located to the north, in elegant Clifton. In between, he lists some places he likes: the Watershed cinema, “three screens and you can see all the new things”; Wilsons restaurant, “great menu of local products”, flowers included; and Noah’s, third place in the 2024 ranking of the best English fish & chips.
ART
Cary Grant, Massive Attack, Richard Long, Wallace & Gromit, Bristol board. Reviewing the list of phenomena mainstream It is surprising how a city of 460 thousand inhabitants has managed to ‘produce’ so much. It is true that culture has always played a crucial role here, regardless of population density, with the artistic sector now at world levels.
Easy when you can name Banksy: the street artist that everyone knows, but nobody knows anything about. Or almost. There was a time, in the early 90s, when Banksy was a down-to-earth guy, one of many, who hung around with a spray can in the neighborhood of Stokes Croftthe kingdom of graffiti artists, and tagged in broad daylight. The teddy bear with the Molotov cocktail, in the act of throwing it towards three police officers – his first work –, he painted it in three days: it was impossible for it to have gone unnoticed, also because the Bristolians immediately identified with that anti-establishment scenario that was both tough and tender at the same time.
However, the identity of the elusive character is kept secret. otherwise what’s the fun. They prefer to let the walking tour guides do the talking, who, between anecdotes and narrow streets, also offer the opportunity to take a great walk on foot. It turns out that this is one of the happiest places in England to live, work and go to museums and galleries. There is always something interesting to see.
At the port, Arnolfini is one of Europe’s most influential centres for contemporary art, with its three floors spanning visual art practices, performance, dance, film and music. Names like Jannis Kounellis, Louise Bourgeois, Gilbert & George they alternate with local talents seeking affirmation.
And it is not clear who the real stars are, given that in Bristol the young talents are supported and pampered like never before: sponsorships, facilities, training programs, materials and spaces available. Impressive, in this regard, are the large and bright rooms of theformer Brooke Bond Tea Factory now home to Spike Island, a ‘village’ with 70 artists, designers and makers’ studios, and an ambitious exhibition programme.
To waste hours there. And the compass too. A bit like the mirror maze Follow Meone of the site-specific installations that are changing the intended use of the garden of the Faculty of Scienceat the Royal Fort House. The 76 polished steel plates are disorienting, yes, but they are also inviting. They make the audience feel part of a project, a landscape, a city.
CREATIVE SCENE
In the vicinity of Netham Parkthe River Avon has been diverted from its original course to make way for a navigable canal. The result? The city has two waterways that delimit three distinct urban centres – with the sound of seagulls in the background (the sea is 20 kilometres away).
However, the creative community that has grown up around it is one of the most close-knit and vibrant in England. “London is still the hub for events and galleries, but more and more designers are discovering Bristol. It’s famous for its free-thinking, rebellious people who are a wake-up call about the need to shake things up.”says Anna Kidel, co-founder with Sam Pearson of Mythologya modern, slightly off-centre carpentry shop, which produces sculptural and minimal furnishings.
They receive orders by email and ship all over the world. The move from the capital, where they have been for six years, has not created any backlash. The change of pace, however, is priceless. “Living here reminds us to keep things in perspective and enjoy the journey.”
Francesca Gaskin, with a one-way ticket from London, also won the lottery. She moved in 2018 because of the low rent prices. She was fired during the pandemic, finding herself with a lot of time on her hands and a house to renovate she makes the kitchen herself. “I thought it was pretty cool and tried to see if anyone wanted something like that. They did.”
Jetsam Made It is now an established brand for the production of free-standing and customizable modules, in steel and wood. They’re also sustainable, which is a good thing in a Green-leaning city. Francesca lives in St Werburghs, a Hobbit-style eco-village, and dreams of opening a showroom in the vibrant Southville.
Those who closed the shop, preferring online, are the florist Yann Collinsa true Bristolian. Her bouquets may seem eccentric in this part of Britain, but she explains that “being surrounded by street art, even if you’re not aware of it, has a strong impact. The city is also covered with colorful houses, which look like children’s crayon drawings, and this influences my love of contrasts.”
Sure, he adds, “it’s a damp place and the winters can be miserable, but it’s easy to forget that when the sun comes out and everyone is enjoying the summer.” The ripening period of the Bristol Whitebeam, a tree that grows only in these parts.
Nothing to say: woods and parks are fantastic. The main attractions for Meghan Peploe, an interior designer currently in the process of moving, who grew up in the countryside with a passion for design. “It started a bit by chance, and has turned into a small business”: What The Mood, specializing in cotton blankets and lamps made of Jesmonite, a water-based resin. A few high-quality pieces, capable of warming up the rooms without too much coquetry. “It’s the air you breathe here: there’s nothing artificial or exaggerated. The inhabitants are always ready to have a chat and everything seems to have a place and a purpose.” Including the lycra suits by Burnt Soul, for parties, performances and concerts. Kitsch? Not at all. Pure extravagance.
Living ©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Source: living.corriere.it
