Rising from London’s Erith marshes in the 1960s, Thamesmead, now home to over 30,000 people, was London County Council's bold attempt to build a new town to address the city's housing shortage after WWII. Noted for its daring, experimental design, the town received attention from architects, sociologists and politicians throughout the world but also gained notoriety as the backdrop to Stanley Kubrick’s film, 'A Clockwork Orange'.
'The Town of Tomorrow' assembles archive material and newly commissioned photography to create an illustrated history of 50 years of Thamesmead. Original plans, models, leaflets and newspaper cuttings are presented alongside interviews with current and former residents. Together with an essay by John Grindrod, the material conveys the story of this influential but often misunderstood town, from the dreams and excitement of its ambitious original vision to the complex realities of living there today.
Join us for a drinks reception with the editors to celebrate the launch of this great new book
The Town of Tomorrow - 50 Years of Thamesmead
Edited by Peter Chadwick and Ben Weaver
Launch Price £25 RRP £30
New photography and interviews by Tara Darby
Introductory essay by John Grindrod