Sent to Coventry
This year’s Heritage & Democracy Conference 2024, took place in Coventry. a city I knew very little about, but which it turns out has a very impressive architectural legacy.
Make Your Mark Studio were invited to take part and discuss the Caernarfon Castle Kings Gate project which we’d completed back in 2022. The project that dealt with the issues of National Identity and how this was influenced by National Mythology. To cut a very long story and presentation short, we discussed the themes of creating the sculpture of King Edward I to work alongside all the other pieces that were commissioned for the Blacksmith, Carpenter, Stonemason, Master Builder etc…
The presentation went down well with the mainly international audience from Germany and Holland, who knew little of the complexities of medieval British politics… but fully understood the complexities that arise from invading your neighbour across the border. As you can imagine, lots of questions were raised.
Walking tours around Coventry then showcased and highlighted the Modern Architectural movement which showcased the redevelopment of the City following the intense bombing raids during WWII. The tours took in the incredible Coventry Cathedral, the redevelopment of the 13th century Guildhall (where the conference took place) and the reuse of the 1950s ‘Coventry Evening Telegraph’ newspaper offices into a modern bijou hotel. Very impressive indeed.
The bombed out remains of Coventry Cathedral
The John Piper stained glass in the modern Cathedral is absolutely magnificent.
The Chapter House
The Coventry Evening Telegraph building now converted into a Hotel
