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Coventry Cathedral (1958)
 

Synopsis

Warning: screenonline full synopses contain 'spoilers' which give away key plot points. Don't read on if you don't want to know the ending!

Architect Basil Spence explains the concepts of his design for the new Coventry Cathedral, to replace the one that was destroyed during World War II. After a tour of the ruins, the provost of Coventry explains why Spence's design was chosen. Spence then explains how he fused traditional and modern concepts, illustrated by comparison with similar cathedrals: Durham, Gloucester, the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge and some Italian examples: the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna; Albi Cathedral, Siena Cathedral and Pisa's Piazza del Duomo. These cathedrals are compared with Spence's model as he illustrates how he is making use of their inspiration.