Ten most iconic vintage structures found in the United Kingdom

In the heart of East Sussex, the De La Warr Pavilion stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of art and culture. Opened in 1935, this iconic structure was designed by a refugee from Hitler's Germany, Erich Mendelsohn, and a Russian architect, Serge Chermayeff, who had already left his mark on the interior of the BBC's Broadcasting House. The pavilion, conceived as a People's Palace, was the vision of 'Buck', the 9th Earl de la Warr, and it has undergone decades of lobbying for funding and soul-searching for the right cultural offering, even surviving damage during the war and subsequent repairs.

Moving north to Yorkshire, we find the house in Farnley Hey, a four-bedroomed masterpiece designed by architect Peter Womersley in the 1950s as a wedding gift for his brother. This modernist abode boasts materials such as chamferwood, York stone flags, Formica, and floor-to-ceiling glass, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding countryside. The double height living room, known as The Dancefloor, features polished wood underfoot and built-in audio systems, inviting visitors to dance and revel in the modernity of the space.

As we delve deeper into Yorkshire, we come across the Sussex University Meeting House, a non-sectarian place of contemplation tucked away among trees. Designed by Sir Basil Spence, this unique structure resembles a spaceship from the outside, with coloured glass peeping through white concrete blocks in an open 'stretcher' latticework. The interior showcases beautiful multi-coloured light that fills the space, offering visitors a calm and uplifting experience.

In the city of Brighton & Hove, the Hove Town Hall, a 1970s Brutalist masterpiece, stands as a symbol of democratic design. Inspired by the 'democratic' nature of Dutch and Swedish design, this building was the brainchild of architect John Wells-Thorpe. Despite initial uncertainty regarding its designer, recent research points to Wells-Thorpe as the architect behind this iconic structure.

Each of these architectural marvels offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of modernist design in Britain, showcasing the creativity and vision of the architects who brought them to life. From the De La Warr Pavilion's People's Palace to the Sussex University Meeting House's celestial-like interior, these structures continue to inspire and captivate visitors, standing as a testament to the enduring allure of modernist architecture.