The term Brutalism is used to describe a form of architecture that appeared, mainly in Europe, from around 1945 - 1975. Uncompromisingly modern, this trend in architecture was both striking and arresting and, perhaps like no other style before or since, aroused extremes of emotion and debate. Some regarded Brutalist buildings as monstrous soulless structures of concrete, steel and glass, whereas others saw the genre as a logical progression, having its own grace and balance.

Alexander Clement is a design historian whose interest in architecture began at school and intensified while studying the history of art at Staffordshire University, where he developed a particular interest in twentieth century building. After graduating Alexander maintained his interest, photographing buildings in the UK and overseas. He has worked as a museum curator and fine art auctioneer specializing in ceramics and Asian art since 1994, and has written on various aspects of design history for the Oxford New Dictionary of National Biography and Antiques Magazine amongst other publications. He is a member of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain.