The Opening of The Town Hall
The Town Hall was built between 1934 and 35, and opened on 4 November 1935 in a ceremony attended by the Duke and Duchess of Kent. The council had modified the design to retain the grass and trees in front rather than devote the whole space to car parking. Early comments on the building were mixed, with some local journalists comparing its appearance to that of a jam factory. Council officials reported some members of the public as mistaking the building for Turnpike Lane underground station. The Hornsey Journal (November 1935), claimed that ‘the architect deserves thanks for boldly breaking away from the deadly classicism of the Victorian public building’. The Royal Institute of British Architects recognised the quality of the design and awarded the building a bronze medal for the best London building erected during the three years ending in December 1935.
The Town Hall fulfilled its intended function for the next thirty years. The London Government Act created the GLC in 1965, widening the reach of London.
Read more about this topic: Hornsey Town Hall
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