Battersea Power Station
Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott faced the formidable challenge of creating an aesthetically compelling structure from what was essentially a utilitarian power plant. Initially, the engineering team proposed conventional square chimneys - a purely functional approach that would have resulted in another unremarkable industrial building. However, Scott's transformative vision of circular chimneys, vertical brick striation and ornate detail won out and gave us the Art Deco masterpiece that is Battersea Power Station.
It was an active power station from the 1930s to the 1980s supplying a fifth of London's electricity at its peak. It was closed in 1983 and abandoned. Many redevelopment schemes were proposed but failed. Fortunately its Grade II and iconic status, its prime location and the brilliance of the WilkinsonEyre-led restoration (2013-2021) project resulted in its glorious revival whilst preserving its 1930s Art Deco design elements. It is now a thriving residential, retail and cultural space.
Our architectural sculpture is of the northern chimneys.
Address: Battersea Power Station, 188 Kirtling Street, London, SW8 5BP, England.
Penultimate photo by mendhak.
Last photo by Ruben J Davies.
