British Cooling Towers – Sculptural Giants

In association with the Twentieth Century Society (C20), Margaret Howell presents an exhibition exploring the architectural and historic legacy of cooling towers and their impact on the British landscape. Today, the towers face an uncertain future as all remaining sites are to be decommissioned by 2025 in a government-led commitment towards renewable energy sources.

Tall enough to contain the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the concrete structures are an example of great technical skill and engineering and for many are a fond, familiar presence in the British landscape. The exhibition will observe the silent sculptural beauty of cooling towers, exploring their history, innovative design and what the future of the last remaining towers could hold.

C20 are undertaking a campaign to raise awareness of the immediate threat British cooling towers face and the challenges this presents regarding historical recognition and potential re-use.