The Twentieth Century Society (C20) welcomes journalist and writer Catherine Slessor MBE as its new president and also retired architect Ian McInnes as its new chairman.
…’ I’m acutely aware of the significance of modern architecture in Britain’[Catherine Slessor]
C20 writes (14 June 2021):
The Twentieth Century Society is delighted to welcome distinguished journalist and writer Catherine Slessor, MBE, as its new president.
C20 Society Director Catherine Croft said: “Catherine joins us at a time when increasing numbers of fine C20 buildings are coming under severe threat due to development pressures, a relaxation in planning laws and the demise of the high street and we welcome her contribution to helping us continue our important work to protect these buildings.” She paid tribute to the immense contribution made by outgoing president Gillian Darley, whose expertise and enthusiasm have been invaluable.
Catherine Slessor, who was elected at the society’s AGM on Saturday 12 June, said: “As a former editor of the Architectural Review, I’m acutely aware of the significance of modern architecture in Britain, and how its proponents catalysed new and often radical ways of thinking about buildings and their relationship to society. In passionately and skilfully advocating the case for modern and contemporary architecture, the Twentieth Century Society alerts the public and officialdom, whether at local or government level, to the richness and amenity of the nation’s modern heritage, courageously calling out short-sighted decisions and championing constructive strategies of preservation and reuse. It’s an enormous privilege to become its President, following on from my distinguished predecessors Gillian Darley, Fiona MacCarthy, and Trevor Dannatt, I look forward to supporting its vital work and campaigning.”….
…’the future of amenity societies will be different in this age of social media campaigning and online content…’[Ian McInnes]
C20 writes 14 July 2021:
The Twentieth Century Society is delighted to welcome retired architect Ian McInnes as its new chairman. Ian has been an active C20 Society member for 20 years and has considerable experience as a C20 Society Trustee having served as Honorary Events Secretary, Treasurer and between 2012-17 as Chair of the Casework Committee.
He succeeds Peter Ruback who is moving into a new role as C20 Events Secretary. C20 Society Director Catherine Croft paid tribute to Peter for his nine years of leadership: “His experience and expertise in central Government policy making in particular has been outstandingly useful, during a period of immense volatility when the basic premise that planning controls are a good thing, and the best way to achieving a positive future for the environment and for all of us, has been repeatedly challenged by misguided pro-development agendas, which regard planning as nothing more than irritating red-tape. But he has made a huge contribution across the full breadth of our activities, and I’m delighted he is staying closely involved.”
Catherine welcomed Ian to the role: “Ian is immensely well qualified for the job. He brings management and leadership experience in amenity and arts charities, plus knowledge of mid-century modern housing and post WW2 workplace architecture and design. He has travelled far and wide to see C20 architecture and is enthusiastic to carry on sharing his passion with C20 members.”
Ian has an AA Masters in Conservation – his thesis was on post war office buildings in London’s West End and he contributed a chapter to the most recent C20 Journal ‘Buildings for Business.’ He has organised and led a large number of Society visits and events including, more recently, the Remembering Gavin Stamp day. He is currently chair of his local amenity society, the Dulwich Society, and, until the end of March he was also chair of the Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery overseeing its recent merger with its parent organisation.
Ian commented: “I am delighted to be elected as the Chair of the Twentieth Century Society. My predecessor, Peter Ruback, has successfully led the Society through a turbulent time that no-one could have foreseen, and it has emerged from the pandemic lockdown in both a good financial state and with an increased membership. There is no doubt that the future of amenity societies will be different in this age of social media campaigning and online content. While casework and listing will always be a key measure of success, we need to work even harder to widen the public’s appreciation of C20 architecture and design as a vital contribution to our environment and to support conservation decisions.”
