Concrete and Clay : Archiving the Barbican

Interesting little exhibition at the Barbican celebrating the creation of an archive of the building.

The show was a bit hidden away and small but it had some interesting pieces and an av display of the work they have done with Google Arts and  Culture to put the collection online, but I must admit I found it a bit clunky to use.

I learnt that the rusticated effect on the concrete wasn’t the result of a poured mould but of workers pick hammering regular patterns on what had been planned to be a flat polished surface. You certainly looked at the piece of wall next to you differently.

I also loved looking at a pair of builder’s shoes and the remains of his lunch which had been found at the lowest level of the building like an archaeological find which in guess it was.

Evidently the display will keep changing, highlighting different stories and showcasing different objects so it’s well worth popping back.

Closes 5 April 2024


 

 

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