Concrete Poetry ― Post-war Modernist Public Art

The Post-War period of progressive civic architecture and art gave rise to some of the UK's most important pieces of publically owned artwork. From the Chadwick figures in Roehampton and a bronze Hepworth in Cardiff to the less well-known Cuminsky murals in Skelmersdale and the vivid Schottland shapes in Warwick, these works of art have become familiar companions, backdrops to British lives. Now with the increased interest in the buildings and architects of the Post-War era the time is right to consider the role of sculpture in these Modernist landscapes. There is also an urgency to this photographic survey, as many crucial works have been lost or destroyed. As acclaimed photographer Simon Phipps journeyed around the UK he uncovered forgotten treasures as well as unexplained losses. This is the first photographic survey of Modernist sculpture within the Brutalist context and as a celebration (and lament) for the extraordinary works produced in a period of systemic support and commissioning in the Arts there will be considerable press interest around Simon Phipps and the book at publication.

Simon Phipps is a photographer and sculptor. He is the creator of the New Brutalism collection on Tumblr and Instagram (30,000 followers). He graduated from the Royal College of Art and grew up in Milton Keynes, where his parents were architects involved in the design of the city. This is his third book after Brutal London (9781910463635) & Finding Brutalism.