A Miniature Barbican: Scale Models

Brutalism scaled down

Theatre Model: North Staircase (1975) by John MaltbyBarbican Centre

When the Barbican's architects, Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, were designing the Centre, a series of model Barbicans were made.

The models no longer exist but we have photographs of them in our Archive.

Theatre Model: North Staircase by John MaltbyBarbican Centre

The models were photographed to help plan the lighting design for different parts of the Centre.

You can see how the lighting works on different levels of this stairwell.

Theatre Model by John MaltbyBarbican Centre

Here is a detailed model of the theatre

Barbican Hall Model by John MaltbyBarbican Centre

And model audience members watching a performance in the Hall.

Barbican Hall Model by John MaltbyBarbican Centre

Barbican Lighting Model Waterside Barbican Lighting Model Waterside by John MaltbyBarbican Centre

The night-time lighting on the Lakeside was also planned out using a model Barbican.

Photographic Print of Model of Cinema One. by John MaltbyBarbican Centre

This is a model of Cinema 1.

Perhaps they are watching a panel discussion after a film

or the venue is being used for an event.

Photograph of Model of Guildhall School of Music and Drama (1972) by John Maltby. Chamberlin, Powell & Bon copyright.Barbican Centre

Restoration of the Barbican model

Did you know that we have been restoring a 1960s architectural model of the Barbican? Read more about it here.

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