This weekend, 10-11 September, Radical Essex will  present a weekend-long programme of events to celebrate the county’s pioneering role in twentieth century architecture.

The two-day festival will provide unique access to three key sites – the Bata Estate in East Tilbury, Frinton-on-Sea and Silver End village – and in doing so will show how the region was at the forefront of Modernist architecture and experimental community models.

Visitors can experience these architectural gems first-hand, travelling from one to the other on dedicated buses, and also attend talks and events conducted by leading experts and artists, including Elizabeth Darling, Owen Hatherley, Charles Holland, Alan Powers and Ellen Thorogood. 

In revealing Essex as ‘The Modernist County’ this weekend will redress perceptions of the architectural history of the region. Coinciding with Heritage Open Days 2016, ‘ESSEX Architecture Weekend’ will share their ethos of discovery and curiosity, in which visitors will have the opportunity to explore and learn about the county’s progressive approaches to living practice in the twentieth century, and consider their ongoing relevance and legacy.

For a complete list of events taking place throughout the weekend, see the Radical Essex website.