House for Mr Curry
Explores the story of the design and building of the iconic modernist High Cross House, for William Curry, the first headmaster of what became the most famous progressive school in the world, on the Dartington Hall Estate. Modern planners would almost certainly have objected to the construction of a building of such style on a famously medieval estate. However, it is the very juxtaposition of styles which makes for architectural excitement.
The Swiss-American architect, William Lescaze, was introduced by Mr. Curry to the idealistic pioneers of the modernisation of the Estate, Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst. These two pursued a dream of a sustainable agricultural economy in rural Devon. Sadly the dream has faded with the demise of the founders, but the story is well worth telling. |