Official Launch Event: Saturday 11th September 10:30am – 12:00pm

As part of the European Heritage Open Days weekend, the pop-up exhibition will be in the foyer of the Strand Arts Centre from Friday 10th – Sunday 12th September.

The exhibition celebrates the varied architectural styles, social and technological advancements of the 1930s, and the value and breadth of architectural heritage remaining in Belfast from this era, but it serves as a wake-up call to the potential for loss of these buildings if they are not well enough valued or protected.

The title Glamour and Gloom refers to the glamour of the 1930s, and gloom of these years which were also marked by political and social crisis. Gloom also refers to the ways in which, whilst landmark buildings of that period are still here to be celebrated, some have been neglected and are under threat today.

The exhibition by Ulster Architectural Heritage will highlight selected Art Deco gems of Belfast; both well-known landmarks and lesser-known buildings including houses, schools, cinemas and more. It will also include some of those which have been demolished and those which are derelict and/or earmarked for demolition. Whilst the exhibition will celebrate the varied architectural styles and social and technological advancements of the 1930s, and the value and breadth of architectural heritage remaining in Belfast from this era, it should also serve as a wake-up call to the potential for loss of these buildings if they are not well enough valued or protected.

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