Considering the modernist architecture of Rogers and Foster, and the relationship of this to Wren's classical style
Whenever a radical building appears, someone, somewhere, insists: “Christopher Wren would be turning in his grave.”
That barb was certainly endured by Richard Rogers and Norman Foster, who embraced modernism, building in steel, glass and concrete, while Wren designed in the classical style, using timber and stone.
But when Rogers was awarded the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture, the citation observed that he was “the rightful heir to the traditions of Wren”. And the same might very well be said of Foster.
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Mr Brian Stater
Brian Stater lectured at University College London for 25 years, retiring in 2021 as a Senior Teaching Fellow. His principal academic interest lay in the appreciation of architecture and he has a lifelong enthusiasm for photography. He therefore offers lectures to The Arts Society on each of these subjects.
He has written on architecture for a wide range of publications and an exhibition of his own photographs was held at UCL. He is a member of the Association of Historical and Fine Art Photography and he works with a pre-War Leica camera, as used by his great hero, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and many others.
Brian is an engaging and amusing speaker who seeks to entertain as well as inform his audience.
GALLERY 
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Society
Dr Twigs Way
13 Nov 2025 - 11:00
Online Event
Explore the special relationship of the Impressionists with gardens and landscape, inspired by painting ‘en plein air’.
Society
Mr Pepe Martinez
18 Nov 2025 - 10:30
Carlton House Club
38 High Street
38 High Street
Online Event
A Study Day exploring the 'old' East End of London, the origins and development of street art, and Banksy