A new exhibition commemorates one of the most controversial moments in British architectural history - the centennial anniversary of the Bank of England's reconstruction that resulted in the demolition of Sir John Soane's masterful earlier building. Renowned architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner famously condemned this act as "the greatest architectural crime," a judgment that has echoed through decades of architectural discourse.
The exhibition, reviewed by architecture critic Catherine Slessor, explores the complex history surrounding the Bank of England's transformation in the 1920s. Slessor's visit to what she describes as "the scene" provides contemporary perspective on this pivotal moment when one of Britain's most significant neoclassical buildings was lost forever.
Sir John Soane's original Bank of England, constructed between 1788 and 1833, was widely regarded as one of his greatest architectural achievements. The building showcased Soane's distinctive style, featuring innovative use of natural light, complex spatial arrangements, and his characteristic stripped-down neoclassical aesthetic. The structure served not only as a functional banking facility but as a monument to British financial power during the height of the Empire.
The decision to demolish Soane's building in the 1920s was driven by practical considerations of expanding the bank's operations and modernizing its facilities. However, the architectural community viewed this demolition as an irreparable loss to Britain's built heritage. The controversy intensified when Pevsner, one of the most influential architectural historians of the 20th century, used his platform to denounce the destruction in terms that would become legendary in architectural circles.
The current exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to understand both the magnificence of what was lost and the historical context that led to this dramatic decision. Through historical documents, architectural drawings, and contemporary accounts, the display illuminates the tension between preservation and progress that continues to challenge urban development today. The exhibition serves as both a memorial to Soane's lost masterpiece and a cautionary tale about the irreversible nature of architectural destruction.
