A zig-zag of copper glints in the London sun. That’s St Paul’s Lorrimore Square. Its modern lines a stark contrast to the area’s history.
This isn’t your grandmother’s church. St Paul’s Lorrimore Square stands as a testament to post-war rebuilding. It replaced a Gothic revival church. That one sadly met its end in a 1941 fire. This new structure designed by Woodroffe Buchanan and Coulter boasts a unique modernist style. It’s a bold statement in reinforced concrete. Small offsetting windows punctuate the concrete block walls.
The original St Paul’s Newington a centre for High Church ritualism was controversial. Its congregation moved to St Agnes Kennington after the fire. Only the tower and spire remain from that era. Everything else is a product of the 1950s and 60s.
Inside St Paul’s Lorrimore Square you’ll find a surprising calm. Subdued lighting creates a peaceful atmosphere. The ceiling’s interesting shapes are a visual delight. Freda Skinner’s carving of the risen Christ is a focal point. Goddard and Gibbs’ coloured glass adds splashes of vibrant colour.
The church’s folded roof is a marvel. It’s made of plate timber coated in turquoise oxidised copper. The triangles are a subtle nod to the Holy Trinity. The external walls blend brick reclaimed stone and artificial blocks. Some blocks even incorporate multicoloured stained glass units. This is a church that harmoniously blends the old and the new.
The church sits prominently within the Brandon Estate. This late 1950s estate was a pioneering post-war redevelopment scheme. It reflects the ambition to rebuild South London after the devastation of war. St Paul’s Lorrimore Square wasn’t just a place of worship it was a symbol of hope and renewal.
St Paul’s Lorrimore Square today is a thriving hub. It’s a friendly diverse church. Its services are prayerful and lively. It values all ages and cultures. It maintains a strong tradition of social action and outreach. More than just bricks and mortar this church is a testament to faith resilience and community spirit. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of London a place where modern architecture meets timeless faith.