SHORTLISTED FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL BOOK AWARDS

A photographic exploration of brutalist and post-war modernist architecture in Wales with an introduction by John Grindrod.

Simon Phipps surveys the scale, ambition and diversity of post-war building in Wales. From the new town of Cwmbran, the immense Trostre Steelworks, the iconic George Street Bridge of Newport to smaller municipal projects such as Theatr Ardudwy in Harlech and libraries and schools across the land, this is an inspiring look at an era of architectural ambition and change. Where preserved, or sometimes simply forgotten, these buildings belong within the rugged landscapes and industrial townscapes as bold testaments of Welsh creativity and post-war renewal.

'A much-needed extensive document of the abundance and richness of an often unfeted and unseen architecture, integral to the hope and social vision that characterised the golden age of Britain's post-war modernism' Mark Durden, Professor of Photography, University of South Wales

'A treat - both for lovers of brutalist architecture and concrete buildings, but also for history and photography enthusiasts, as it offers an indulgent journey through a series of established and lesser-known Welsh gems of the particular genre' Wallpaper

'A collection of powerful architectural photography, including many lesser-known examples of Welsh modernist architecture such as rare internal views of the Trostre steelworks and filmic shots of the undercroft of the George Street Bridge in Newport. Beautifully designed by Marc Jennings with Welsh and English language text throughout' Wales Online

'It is likely that this book will open eyes and minds to a rich and distinctive period of architecture in Wales' Building Design

'Serves as a reminder of the architectural heritage we must protect' Aesthetica magazine

'Simon Phipps has created a book that is both thought-provoking and a joy to look at. He shows us the power and austere beauty of these “ugly, lovely” Welsh buildings and invites greater appreciation of our urban and industrial landscapes' Morning Star

Simon Phipps, born in Leeds, is an artist based in London. He is a graduate in sculpture from the Royal College of Art and a renowned photographer of post-war modernist architecture. He is the author of the books: Brutal London, Finding Brutalism, Concrete Poetry: Post-War Modernist Public Art, Brutal North, Brutal Outer London and Brutal Wales/Cymru Friwtalaidd. Finding Brutalism was a winner of the 2018 DAM Architectural Book Award and Brutal London was a finalist for the British Book and Production Awards 2017. @new_brutalism