British Croatian Society

14/09/2026

It is with regret that we announce the death of Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse 🕊️🕯️

🕯️ Preminula Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse koja je život posvetila hrvatskoj kulturnoj baštini

U vječnost se preselila naša draga Lady Jadranke Beresford-Peirse, neumorna promicateljica i čuvarica hrvatske kulturne baštine te graditeljice prijateljstva između Hrvatske i Ujedinjene Kraljevine.

Živeći u Londonu, Hrvatsku je trajno nosila u srcu i svojoj ljubavi prema domovini davala konkretan oblik. Zajedno sa suprugom Sir Henryjem 1991. osnovala je International Trust for Croatian Monuments, odgovarajući na stradanje hrvatske baštine tijekom Domovinskoga rata. Iz toga pothvata izrasla je dugogodišnja mreža prijateljstva, solidarnosti i suradnje hrvatskih i britanskih ustanova, stručnjaka i dobročinitelja.

Tijekom više od triju desetljeća predanoga djelovanja pomagala je obnovu crkava, samostana, muzeja i knjižnica, podupirala obrazovanje mladih konzervatora te britanskoj javnosti približavala bogatstvo hrvatske umjetnosti i kulture. Među brojnim pothvatima ističu se dobrotvorni koncerti Ive Pogorelića za Dubrovnik i Vukovar te pomoć zagrebačkim muzejima nakon potresa 2020. godine. U trenutcima stradanja znala je okupiti ljude i pokrenuti pomoć, a započeta prijateljstva njegovati godinama.

📖 Posebno mjesto u njezinu srcu imao je franjevački samostan sv. Ante na splitskom Poljudu. Ondje je pomogla urediti prostor za proučavanje dragocjene baštine, posvećen uspomeni na preminule povjerenike Trusta, među kojima je bio i njezin suprug. U tom se pothvatu susreću ljubav prema knjizi, poštovanje prema prošlosti i briga za buduće naraštaje istraživača.

Za doprinos hrvatsko-britanskim kulturnim vezama primila je britansko odlikovanje MBE, koje joj je u prosincu 2024. uručio kralj Charles III. To je priznanje doživljavala kao zajedničko postignuće svih koji su sudjelovali u radu Trusta. Njezino jednostavno geslo „Mi zajedno” sažimalo je način na koji je djelovala: zahvalno, u suradnji i s dubokim poštovanjem prema svakom doprinosu.

U razgovoru s fra Ljubomirom Šimunovićem voditeljem HKM u Londonu u časopisu Most-The Bridge čija je bila revna suradnica s toplinom se prisjećala supruga, prijatelja i suradnika. Mlade Hrvate u iseljeništvu potaknula je da svoje znanje, talente i vrijeme daruju domovini. Baštinu je doživljavala kao živo dobro, povjereno našoj ljubavi i odgovornosti.

Iza nje ostaju obnovljena djela, sačuvane knjige, poduprti mladi stručnjaci i brojna prijateljstva. Ostaje i nadahnuće njezina života: koliko dobra mogu donijeti ustrajnost, velikodušnost i ljubav koja pronalazi put do konkretnih djela.

🤍 Zahvalni za sve dobro koje je učinila za Hrvatsku i njezinu kulturnu baštinu, izražavamo iskrenu sućut njezinoj obitelji, prijateljima i suradnicima. Njezin život i sve što je s ljubavlju gradila preporučujemo Božjem milosrđu.

🙏 Pokoj vječni daruj joj, Gospodine, i svjetlost vječna svijetlila joj. Počivala u miru Božjem. Amen.

28/06/2026

Day 3 – Concluding the C20 Architectural Tour: From Rationalist Planning to Coastal Modernism

Saturday 27th June

Our our final day we enjoyed a fascinating journey through Istria, exploring how architecture reflects ideology, industry, community, and reinvention.

Our first stop was Raša, one of Europe’s best-preserved examples of a purpose-built mining town, created in just one year (1936–37) under Mussolini’s urban development programme. Designed by Gustavo Pulitzer-Finali, the town is a remarkable example of Italian Rationalist architecture, carefully integrated into the surrounding green valley.

What makes Raša so compelling is that it wasn’t simply designed as a mining settlement, it was conceived as a complete community. Around its elegant central square stood a hotel, post office, cinema, pharmacy, shops, hospital, sports facilities, and housing, all thoughtfully planned to create a self-sufficient town for miners and their families. One of the architectural highlights is the striking Church of St. Barbara, whose reinforced concrete roof evokes the structure of a mining tunnel, while its distinctive bell tower resembles a traditional miner’s lamp a powerful tribute to the town’s identity.

From Raša we continued to Labin, where another chapter of Istria’s architectural story unfolds. Here, Italian Fascist planning meets Yugoslav modernism, illustrated by the Dom Zdravlja (Health Centre) designed by Mladen Vodička, an excellent example of 1960s Yugoslav public architecture. Before continuing our journey, we had lunch in the beautiful medieval hilltop old town.

A highlight of the afternoon was our visit to Rovinj and the award-winning Hotel Lone, designed by 3LHD Architects. Its iconic Y-shaped form maximises panoramic views of the Adriatic while paying homage to the elegant modernist seaside resorts of the 1960s and 70s. It is a wonderful example of how contemporary Croatian architecture respectfully reinterprets its modernist heritage.
As our comes to an end, one thing is clear: architecture is far more than the buildings we see. It tells the story of political change, social ambition, industrial progress and cultural identity.

27/06/2026

Day 2 of the C20 Architectural Tour | P**a & Brijuni Islands 🇭🇷

Friday 26th June

Our second day of the C20 Architectural Tour took us on a fascinating journey through P**a’s rich architectural heritage, where each building reflected a different chapter of the city’s political and cultural history.

We began with a walking tour through the heart of P**a, visiting the elegant Austro-Hungarian Market Hall, designed by Leopold Nobis in 1903, before exploring the striking Post Office by Angiolo Mazzoni. Its bold architecture, dramatic red entrance and iconic spiral staircase offered a powerful reminder of the influence of Italian architecture during the interwar period.

We also admired the modernist residential building by Kazimir Ostrogović, an excellent example of Yugoslav architecture that combined functional design with respect for the city’s historic urban fabric.

In the afternoon, we travelled to the beautiful Brijuni Islands, where history, architecture and diplomacy came together in a truly unique setting. Once the summer residence of President Tito, the islands welcomed many world leaders and cultural icons throughout the twentieth century. We also learned about the historic 1956 meeting between Tito, Nasser and Nehru, which marked the beginning of the Non-Aligned Movement.

From imperial elegance and modernist innovation to Cold War diplomacy, the day offered an inspiring reminder that architecture is much more than buildings, it is a reflection of history, society and the people who shape our world.

It was a memorable day filled with learning, inspiring conversations and a deeper appreciation of Croatia’s remarkable architectural and cultural heritage.

Follow us and learn more about this fantastic tour exploring architecture British Croatian Society 🇭🇷 🇬🇧

**a ArchitecturalHeritage

26/06/2026

A wonderful start to the C20 Architectural Tour in P**a, Croatia.

Thursday 25th June

Our first gathering took place at Giardini, before a short walk to the Small Roman Theatre, where we were introduced to P**a’s rich architectural heritage by Dr. Emil Jurcan.

One of the highlights of the visit is the remarkable reconstruction and extension of the Small Roman Theatre. Dr. Jurcan’s thoughtful intervention has transformed the archaeological remains into a contemporary performance space, beautifully balancing the preservation of Roman history with modern architectural design. It is a striking example of how cultural heritage can be reimagined for today’s communities while respecting its historical significance.

Dr. Jurcan is not only an accomplished architect and conservation specialist but also an academic, researcher, and former President of both the Society of Architects of Istria and the Association of Croatian Architects. His work continues to shape conversations around architecture, heritage conservation, and the social impact of the built environment.

We are looking forward to an inspiring three days of exploring how history, culture, and contemporary architecture come together in one of Croatia’s most fascinating cities.

**a

26/06/2026

A wonderful start to the C20 Architectural Tour in P**a, Croatia 🇭🇷

Thursday 25th June

Our first gathering took place at Giardini, before a short walk to the Small Roman Theatre, where we were introduced to P**a’s rich architectural heritage by Dr. Emil Jurcan.

One of the highlights of the visit is the remarkable reconstruction and extension of the Small Roman Theatre. Dr. Jurcan’s thoughtful intervention has transformed the archaeological remains into a contemporary performance space, beautifully balancing the preservation of Roman history with modern architectural design. It is a striking example of how cultural heritage can be reimagined for today’s communities while respecting its historical significance.

Dr. Jurcan is not only an accomplished architect and conservation specialist but also an academic, researcher, and former President of both the Society of Architects of Istria and the Association of Croatian Architects. His work continues to shape conversations around architecture, heritage conservation, and the social impact of the built environment.

Inspiring first day of the tour, exploring how history, culture, and contemporary architecture come together in one of Croatia’s most fascinating cities.

**a

16/06/2026

This should be the foundation. 🇭🇷

A back four, Baturina in the 10, and plenty of pace and quality around Musa. Kovačić rotates in, but this feels like Croatia’s strongest and most balanced lineup heading towards the 1st game🔥

❤️🤍💙

21/04/2026

Last Friday, we hosted our BCS Annual Dinner and proudly celebrated 30 years of the British Croatian Society.

It was a truly special evening filled with great company, meaningful connections, and a wonderful celebration of our community.

We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors and donors for their support and contribution, including the delightful Croatian wines – Vina Škoro Graševina and Dobra Berba Piena – which were enjoyed at the Royal Air Force Club in Mayfair, London.

Your support and presence made the evening unforgettable, and we look forward to many more moments together.

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