Tower Envy

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

When the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 it became the tallest man-made structure in the world as well as a global cultural icon.

It also became a source of jealousy in London, where architects immediately started drawing up plans to rival and outdo the Parisian landmark.

Newly uncovered documents reveal an intense competition was held to find a design for what was to be called the Great Tower of London.

 Landmark: The winning design, by Stewart, Maclaren and Dunn, right, looks similar to the Eiffel Tower. The winners received a prize of 500 guineas and according to documents was 215 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower

 

The winning entry was to be built in Wembley Park, North West London and was intended to be a centerpiece of a new funfair.

 These pictures show the amazing designs that were submitted by 68 talented architects that were published in a catalogue.

 Rivalry: The runner up in the competition, left, won 250 Guineas. There was intense competition for the design of what was to be called the Great Tower of London and 68 architects entered designs

The winning entry was to be built in Wembley Park, London

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2184917/Drawings-jealous-British-architects-plotted-outdo-French-rivals-London-version-Eiffel-Tower.html#ixzz22uljlJwT