The Circle 1943-68

A talk by Valeria Carullo on ‘The Circle’, the network of mutual support founded by refugee architects and engineers in London in 1943.
About this Event

The late 1930s saw an increasing influx of people migrating from Nazi-dominated Central Europe to Britain. The refugees came from a variety of different backgrounds, including the architectural profession. In their effort to relocate to Britain and rebuild their lives, many of these architects were supported by the various refugee organisations active in the country, as well as some of their British colleagues. In 1943, by then settled in their adoptive country, a number of refugee architects and engineers felt the need to establish their own network of mutual support and solidarity. They therefore formed the London-based association ‘The Circle’, which remained active until 1968. Its stated aim was to “promote professional and social contacts”, as well as to “further and exchange professional knowledge and experience”. It provided an environment that allowed its members to preserve and nurture elements of their original cultures, but at the same time encouraged them to take an active part in the public life of the profession in their adoptive country. This talk will outline the context in which ‘The Circle’ was founded and the role it played in bringing together displaced architects from different European countries.