It was party time at the Isokon Flats in Lawn Road on July 9 this year, the precise date back in 1934 when the building was described as “the epicentre of Modernism” and first opened. A jazz band and a 1930s Bentley were on hand to add a touch of the pre-war atmosphere to Isokon’s 90th birthday celebrations. Even the original sandwich menu was re-created for the occasion.
The 36 flats, inspired by the Bauhaus architectural school of pre-war Germany, were the first of their kind in the UK, pioneering the idea of minimalist, stylish city living. Isokon was unique, not just for the modern design but also the materials used – reinforced concrete cast in steel shuttering panels.
John Allan, Chairman of the Isokon Gallery Trust, told guests that architect Wells Coates was instructed to ensure the flats lasted until 1950 …. “and look, after 90 years, they are still going strong ” !
Notable residents and guests in the thirties and forties included the three Bauhaus masters, Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer and László Moholy-Nagy, writer Agatha Christie, sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth as well as a “nest” of communist spies.
Christie often said she invented her characters from what she had observed going on around her at the Isokon.
The block, now owned by Notting Hill Genesis, was restored by Avanti Architects and re-opened in 2004 as a mix of social and privately owned apartments – and are a growing attraction. Around 40,000 people have visited the building over the last 10 years according to Isokon Gallery Director Magnus Englund.
Isokon is the only Grade I listed building in Belsize Park, and one of the only two Grade I listed blocks of flats in England (the other being Highpoint in Highgate).
The Isokon Gallery is open at weekends displaying the building’s fascinating history – and it’s free entry! Check the website for more details: www.isokongallery.org.