Protection and Progress: A Walk Through “The Ugly Valley”

Built heritage experts Jon Wright and David Hills will examine the important Post-War heritage in the City of London and discuss how we can value the buildings we already have - regardless of their original use and architectural styles. This walking tour will explore how the boundaries of the concept of “The Ugly Valley” – the dip in the curve of a building’s popularity, usually occurring 20-50 years into its history – are formed by public taste, policy and preservation, as exemplified in London’s Square Mile. Responding to the festival theme of Act, the tour will touch on conservation and heritage policy as a tool for re-use and adaptation of these divisive buildings – an essential action in light of the climate emergency.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to our 2022 charity of the year, Action on Empty Homes, dedicated to bringing empty homes across the UK into use for people in housing need.