Comments on: Behind The Facade

By: Kirk Taylor

Kirk Taylor — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 17:55:44 +0000

Re: Former Unitarian Chapel, Stamford Street, Blackfriars, SE1
Great article. For a long time the land the ghastly flats behind this facade are on was the playground and parade ground of the London Nautical School which is still next door. I was a pupil there between 1990 and 1997

By: Liz Cambell

Liz Cambell — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 14:04:36 +0000

I find it difficult to look at such vandalism,all that is left is no more than a death mask with the same chilling feel,something that no longer lives.

By: Steve Hanscomb

Steve Hanscomb — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 09:09:09 +0000

I read your article in the Times at the weekend and wish you every success with the book and the campaign. Thank you for drawing attention to this disgusting fob off disguised as preservation.

By: John White

John White — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 11:26:02 +0000

RE: Former Unitarian Chapel, Stamford Street, Blackfriars, SE1 I haven’t been down there since Ken was in charge of the GLC on one of his “Fairs Fair” bus rides. Was it part of the London Nautical school site? I seem to remember there was a sign up near the door saying “London Nautical School”

By: Jill Wilson

Jill Wilson — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:39:26 +0000

Great photo of the genius book designer – and the genius book!

By: Leana Pooley

Leana Pooley — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 15:42:30 +0000

I received my copy of the book yesterday. It’s sitting on the kitchen table and when I walk in and see it I love it! It’s so witty and just the right size to hold in my hands. I will be gloomy and cross when I start reading about each appalling example but just now the book is a thing of pleasure. Thanks.

By: Paul Loften

Paul Loften — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 13:35:23 +0000

I was a student at the Sir John Cass for jewellery making many moons ago now its part of the London Met. and now known as the ” Cass ” I hope I can make it on Monday .

By: David Steers

David Steers — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 12:24:28 +0000

What has been built behind Stamford Street Unitarian Chapel looks particularly offensive, especially since the portico at least was preserved for years without too much going on behind it. As a footnote to the story of Stamford Street I knew one of the last ministers of the congregation. Rev Arthur Long was principal of the Unitarian College, Manchester from 1974 to 1988. But he began his ministry at Stamford Street from 1945 to 1952. Shortly before he left he was visited by Wallace Tavener a then well-known and radical minister. He wasn’t impressed “How long do you give it?” he asked, which Arthur found a bit hurtful since he thought he was doing quite well in difficult circumstances. “I would give it about ten years” said the visitor before he breezed out. Soon after Arthur moved north but Tavener was right and in about 10 years it was closed and demolished leaving just the facade.

By: Jim McDermott

Jim McDermott — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 08:58:25 +0000

I suppose what remained of the Stamford Street Unitarian Chapel is better preserved (even as a not-very-integrated facade) than demolished. As for the rest – get at ’em, GA, and good luck with the book. I particularly hope you get right up Alan Sugar’s nose in respect of that Bishopsgate abomination