Pollen knew best
From Viscountess Sidmouth Sir: In his review of Alan Powers's book on the work of Francis Pollen (Books, 29 Jan- uary), Christopher Montgomery put for- ward the quaint idea that `few buildings prosper when their architect insists on knowing better than their client'.
If Vanbrugh had acceded to Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough's wishes, Blenheim would be 'a strong, plain, conve- nient house'. Lutyens overruled Lord Hard- ing's request to have the Mogul pointed arch incorporated in the design for Viceroy House on the grounds that 'God did not make the Eastern rainbow pointed to show his wide sympathies'.
Ian Nairn, in his book Modern Buildings of London, described a work of Francis Pollen's as 'architecture operating at its true level, to the whole range of human needs', this regardless of whether his relationship With the client had been good or bad. It would seem that there are occasions when the architect really does know best.
Therese Sidmouth
12 Brock Street, Bath, Avon
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