The launch of a new monograph on the Church Architecture of Richard Twentyman, by Aidan Ridyard and Professor Chris Kennedy, hosted by the Wolverhampton and District Society of Architects, will be held at Wolverhampton University on Thursday 7th December.
Richard Twentyman, the brother of the sculptor Anthony Twentyman, was a successful West Midlands architect based in Wolverhampton who is known particularly for the thirteen churches and chapels he designed between 1937 and 1973.
In January 2019 Aidan Ridyard presented a short talk about the Churches of Richard Twentyman at the C20th Society (West Midlands) "Architecture Slam" event. Chris Kennedy was in the audience and had also been researching Twentyman's Churches. Over a friendly chat a shared passion was recognised and a project was born!
Four years later, Aidan and Chris are still collaborating and have recently published their new book. Their efforts have been greatly assisted by many fellow enthusiasts, including particularly John East, whose photography has brought the churches to life.
“In a beautifullv illustrated volume (including meticulous plans and isometric drawings – a joy!) Chris Kennedy and Aidan Ridyard provide a detailed account of each of the English architect's 11 churches and two crematorium chapels, most of which were constructed in and around his native Wolverhampton.
This book is a timely reminder not to underestimate the scope of architects who operated in a small geographical area. If you find yourself in the environs of Wolverhampton you should arm yourself with this invaluable guide.”
Clare Price, C20, Twentieth Century Society magazine.
At the book launch talk, Aidan and Chris will select a sample of Twentyman’s churches to illustrate his distinctive architectural evolution from an early monumental phase, to more modernistic approaches and later innovative design. They will explain the British and European influences on his work and locate his architecture in the changing social, economic, and religious contexts of this period.
Tickets for the event are available here
Further details of the project and how to order the book can be found here