The Seagull

Sir Denys Lasdun (1914-2001) was an eminent English architect, celebrated for his commitment to Modernist ideals and his contribution to the British urban landscape. Having started his career at Wells Coates’ practice, he would go on to build 32 Newton Road, a house in Paddington which strictly followed Le Corbusier’s domino principle, and would later become Ronald Searle’s residence. Lasdun’s social commitment was demonstrated in commissions for Hallfield Primary School, cluster blocks in Bethnal Green, and later for the University of East Anglia. Undoubtedly, however, his two most renowned buildings remain the Royal College of Physicians in Regent's Park and the Royal National Theatre on the South Bank of the Thames in London. Lasdun was appointed as Architect for the Theatre in 1963, completed the building in 1976, and Lady Lasdun worked on the interiors and colour of the Theatre. The Theatre is now Grade II* listed and is one of the most notable examples of Modernist design in the country.