Mark Girouard explores the history of the design and building of one of London's most outstanding pieces of architecture - the Natural History Museum at South Kensington.
The author traces the development of the design, describes the influences of the key personalities involved and highlights some of the building's most interesting features.
From the running of a national lottery for funds to the concern about nude statues that might 'corrupt and degrade public taste', the Museum's beginnings were full of controversy. This lively text is supported by fascinating historical illustrations and contemporary photographs and will appeal to all those interested in this much-loved museum and its architecture.
Look inside this book to get an idea of its content.
Terracotta designs from the Museum building.
Preliminary sketches and designs of the Museum building.
Buildings that influenced the design of the Museum, and the interior of the Museum itself.
Mark Girouard is one of Britain's leading architectural historians.
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