Architecture and design specialist Dominic Bradbury draws back the curtain on the iconic South Bank, providing an unrivalled insight into the buildings that populate one of London’s epicentres of art and entertainment.

Encompassing an art gallery, theatres, festival halls and a cinema, the South Bank is a cultural hub in the heart of London. South Bank: Architecture & Design is a beautifully crafted celebration of its sublime, community-focused architecture. The book opens with an origin story, unravelling the evolution of this riverside enclave since the 1951 Festival of Britain catapulted it onto the scene and exploring the renowned architects and designers that have shaped this space throughout the mid-century and beyond.

Much of the book is devoted to the buildings themselves, all of which are accompanied by Bradbury’s authoritative text and richly illustrated with photography by Rachael Smith. The buildings include:

• Royal Festival Hall

• Hayward Gallery

• Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Purcell Room

• National Film Theatre/BFI

• National Theatre

This sumptuous book is an invaluable purchase for anyone intrigued by our built heritage and cultural spaces.

'Dominic Bradbury contributes passionate writing, while the photographs taken by… Rachael Smith illustrate the area’s distinctive approach. South Bank is an essential read for anyone interested in this artistic neighbourhood’

‘A sumptuous must-read’

Dominic Bradbury is a journalist and lecturer specialising in architecture and design. He has written for Wallpaper, World of Interiors, Elle Decoration, Vogue Living, The Telegraph and The Financial Times. His books include The Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses, Mid-Century Modern Complete, New Brazilian House, The Iconic House, The Iconic Interior, Mountain Modern and Waterside Modern.

Rachael Smith is one of the leading architectural and interiors photographers in the UK. Her work has featured in World of Interiors magazine for many years and she also contributes to a wide variety of other leading publications, including The Telegraph, The Times, House & Garden and Homes & Gardens. She lives in London.