RAI members are invited to join Timothy Soar’s free-to-attend photography workshop at one of the UK’s most iconic Art Deco seaside buildings – and enjoy a bespoke walking tour of the architectural highlights of St Leonard’s-on-Sea.
RAI members are invited to take part in a free-to-attend photography workshop to be held between 10am and 1pm on Wednesday 29th July on the 12th-floor roof terrace of one of the UK’s most remarkable Art Deco buildings, Marine Court in St Leonard’s-on-Sea, East Sussex, thought to be the world’s first purpose-built seaside resort.
Designed by Kenneth Dalgleish and Roger K Pullen, and completed in 1938, the building was based on the recently launched Cunard Queen Mary ocean liner and conceived as the ultimate symbol of louche living by the sea.
Read Isabel Allen’s account of Marine Court’s chequered fortunes.
The workshop will include a 90-minute walking tour entitled Burton’s St Leonard’s: Classical Formality and picturesque irregularity. Lead by architect and St Leonard’s resident Ian Maccready, founder of specialist architectural travel company Architourian, the walk will explore the legacy of visionary developers James Burton and his architect son Decimus – and offer plenty of opportunities to test out new-found photography skills.
The most important builder of the day, James Burton made his fortune working with the architect John Nash on the development of Regency London. Inspired by the growing popularity of seaside resorts he invested in a plot of land to the west of Hastings with a view to building a completely new town.
Decimus Burton had already designed – at the precocious age of 17 – the family home in Regent’s Park, Holme House (now the most expensive property in England) and went on to become one of the most prolific architects of the 19th century best known for the Athenaeum Club, The Wellington Arch and the magnificent Palm House at Kew Gardens.
Burton’s St Leonard’s, thought to be the world’s first purpose-built seaside resort town.
The workshop will include a 90-minute walking tour entitled Burton’s St Leonard’s: Classical Formality and picturesque irregularity
Lead by architect and St Leonard’s resident Ian Maccready, founder of specialist architectural travel company Architourian, the walk will explore the legacy of visionary developers James Burton and his architect son Decimus – and offer plenty of opportunities to test out new-found photography skills.
The most important builder of the day, James Burton made his fortune working with the architect John Nash on the development of Regency London. Inspired by the growing popularity of seaside resorts he invested in a plot of land to the west of Hastings with a view to building a completely new town.
Decimus Burton had already designed – at the precocious age of 17 – the family home in Regent’s Park, Holme House (now the most expensive property in England) and went on to become one of the most prolific architects of the 19th century best known for the Athenaeum Club, The Wellington Arch and the magnificent Palm House at Kew Gardens.
Designed to encourage RAI members to develop a coherent visual language for their work as an integral part of the design process, the workshops place an emphasis on community, discussion and shared principles, creating an open and constructive environment in which participants are able to test ideas and refine their approach. Numbers are strictly limited to ensure that each attendee can contribute meaningfully and gain clear, practical value from subsequent feedback.
Workshops have been scheduled throughout the year with diverse locations designed to attract a wide range of RAI members.
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday 29th July, Marine Court, St Leonard’s-on-Sea, East Sussex, 10am-1pm
- Thursday 10th September, Thetford Forest, Norfolk, 10am-1pm
- Tuesday 29th September at Collective Works, Unit 5.06, Leroy House, 436 Essex Road London N1 3QP, 2pm-5pm
- Sunday 6th December, Harry CJ Wix, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 10am-1pm
Attendance is free to RAI members but places are strictly limited so booking is essential.
Email Lorna Soar at lorna@lornasoar.co.uk to book your place.
Marine Court is immediately opposite a popular swimming beach. Bring your swimming costume if you fancy a dip in the sea.
