'Transform': The Architectural Ceramics of Fritz Steller

Expert Christopher Marsden will be speaking on the architectural ceramics of Fritz Steller, whose 'Transform' tiles wrap and define the interior of the Beecroft Art Gallery.

German born sculptor Fritz Steller (1941-2015), produced some of the most dramatic and innovative British post-war architectural ceramics between 1969-1975. His work was generally underappreciated for decades, and now much of it has been lost or damaged. In recent years, it has been gaining significant recognition and appreciation with the surge of public interest post modernism, and efforts are now being made to protect his works. Join us to hear the surprising backstory behind the Beecroft's extensive tilework that defines the character of our beautifully brutalist building.

Christopher Marsden was raised in Essex where he was weaned on Pevsner county guides, educated at Bedales and Holme Valley Grammar, and Bristol and Leeds Polytechnics. He worked for thirty years in Kirklees Council libraries and communications. At the University of Huddersfield he enhanced his search and research skills with post-graduate marketing and an architectural history MRes on Fritz Steller's Queensgate Market work, for which he is known. In 2004 he co-founded Huddersfield Gem which studied and campaigned on Huddersfield modernism. That led to him becoming a campaigning conservation secretary for the Tiles and Architectural Ceramics Society, and academic author.

Prebooking is essential to guarantee a space. Please note that tickets are per person per talk, you will need to book a ticket for each of the day's talks that you wish to attend.

Full line up:

11:30 The Beecroft is Brutal

(Break for lunch)

13:30 William Mitchell: A Colourful Crusade

14:30 'Transform: The Architectural Ceramics of Fritz Steller

(Short break for refreshments)

16:00 The Museum of Brutalist Architecture

Also check out other Arts events in Southend-on-Sea, Literary Art events in Southend-on-Sea, Performances in Southend-on-Sea.