Item 3B.57 - Great Britain Pavilion

1 slide photograph.

Exterior view photograph. Great Britain Pavilion exterior (lot C-435). As if to remind visitors that Britain is in fact an island of nations, the British Pavilion rose from a shallow moat at its base. A large, intentionally "unfinished" entrance tower bore a pop-art rendition of the Union Jack flag, welcoming visitors and effectively marking the pavilion's place at Expo. The British Pavilion featured four separate, nearly windowless buliding volumes which housed the five main exhibition areas, a theatre and administration space. The "Cave of History" themed area welcomed visitors with a 3 minute special effects show that told a fact-filled yet exciting story of Britain's history. The "Genius of Britain" themed area located on the second level of the tower was centered by a large jet engine and showcased famous Brits. The "Britain Today" themed section depicted modern day Brits in everyday situations. The "Industrial Britain" section featured British technological and industrial acheivements to date. Finally, the "Britain in the World" themed section was headlined by giant 18' aluminum sculptures. At the base of the sculptures were depictions of Britain's influence on global issues such as language and governmental systems. Cylindrical tower with four non-uniform polygonal volumes Structural steel with asbestos-cement wallboards and rough textured sprayed vermiculite plaster. (S: 100' diameter (base of tower), 180' x 120', 80' x 40', 288' x 100' (remaining units) --- A: 65,600 sq. ft. --- H: 200' (tower), 75' (highest building))