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Arlington House in Margate named 'fine example of British architecture' by Elain Harwood in new book.

By: Millie Bowles mbowles@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 14:40, 04 November 2022

Updated: 15:33, 04 November 2022

A block of flats that some residents have called to be demolished has been named "a fine example" of architecture in a new book.

Arlington House on Margate's coast features in Brutalist Britain: Buildings of the 1960s and 1970s by architectural historian Elain Harwood.

Dr Harwood just she "just had to" include Arlington House, Margate, in her new book

Dr Harwood is an advocate for the "stunning" building and says it "just had to be in the book".

Arlington House was constructed in 1964 and is 19 storeys high with eight flats on each floor.

It features an innovative wave like design, giving each flat an east facing window and a view of the sea.

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The book explains the history behind the tower block. Picture: Elain Harwood
The cover of the book which was released in late October. Picture: Elain Harwood

The building has long been the topic of debate in the area.

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Dr Harwood told KentOnline why she included the "ambitious" tower in her book.

"It’s so talked about - it sparks something," she said.

"It’s a sort of a celebration of thinking."

Something that sparks controversy is the height at which Arlington House towers above other structures on Margate's skyline, but Dr Harwood thinks that if part of its charm.

Elain Harwood is an architectural historian. Picture:Elain Harwood
The picture of Arlington House featured in Elain Harwood's book. Picture: Elain Harwood

"I think that adds to its strengths. That is what makes it so special," she said.

"Whether you love it or hate it, it is a symbol of Margate."

Arlington House is one of the first things visitors see as they drive into the coastal hot-spot, and the 64-year-old says it is a "landmark" for the area.

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"It has a relationship to the sea and the rest of the town," she said.

Arlington House, Margate

The other sights at the seaside also appeal to Dr Harwood, who is fond of Margate and its attractions.

"And with the Dreamland cinema as well - I love Dreamland I want to see it restored," she said. "That's my favourite building in Margate.

"The two together are iconic. One is fat and round and the other tall and thin and together I think they just make Margate a 60s, or actually a modern, seaside town."

She has visited much of Thanet but thinks Margate stands out against other towns.

"Other seasides don’t have that image, you know. What's Ramsgate got?"

Morellis in Broadstairs pictured in 2007

A previous book of hers called Mid-century Britain includes Morelli's in Broadstairs, an ice cream parlour which the author says she loves.

Her latest work, which is published by Batsford in collaboration with Twentieth Century Society, features other buildings such as London's National Theatre, Trellick Tower in West London and the University of Sussex.

Arlington House is the only block of private flats featured.

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