Read Expo 58: A Novel for Free Online Page A

to show visitors the finest in traditional British hospitality. One or two factors, however, brought about a change from the initial plan. One is that the Belgians themselves are, apparently, in the process of constructing a village on the festival site, which they are calling “La Belgique Joyeuse” – which translates, roughly speaking, as “Gay Belgium” – and this will include replica buildings from the eighteenth century and earlier, including an authentic inn. Another, erm, factor, is that the COI – and, I think, Mr Gardner himself, though I wouldn’t like to put words into his mouth – have always been concerned that the British contribution, while doing justice, obviously, to our great traditions, should not be too – well, too backward-looking. And so it was decided that the designers of the Britannia should be briefed to take a slightly more modern approach. Britain, after all, is a modern country. We are at the very forefront of innovation in the sciences and technology.’ (He was getting into his stride now, and, to his own amazement, rather beginning to enjoy himself.) ‘But our great strength is our ability to move forward, without ever breaking our links with the past. This is the paradox that the designers have worked so hard to express with the interior of the Britannia.’
    A mild interruption was presented at this point.
    ‘Looking at these photographs,’ said one of the more elderly committee members, seated to Thomas’s right, ‘this is not what I picture when I think of an English inn. Not at all.’ He sifted through some black-and-white prints, shaking his head. ‘Surely . . . some horse brasses, some wooden beams, the froth of a fine English ale overflowing the sides of a pewter tankard . . .?’
    ‘But that’s exactly what we wanted to avoid,’ said Thomas. ‘The Britannia is being built on a most attractive site, overlooking an artificial lake. We wanted to give it the feeling of a . . . of a yachting club, if you like. There will be big windows, and white walls. The interior is light and spacious and airy because this is the modern way, don’t you see? These are modern times! It’s 1958! Britain will be presenting its new face to the world under the shadow of the Atomium, and we must rise to the challenge. We have to move forward. We have to move on.’
    Sir John was regarding Thomas, suddenly, with marked interest and approval.
    ‘Excellently phrased, Mr Foley, if I may say so. You are quite right. Britain has to find its place in the modern world and we must show the other countries how this can be done without resorting to fashionable nonsense such as . . . concrete music, or whatever it is called. I think Mr Lonsdale’s designs are capital. Quite capital. And you, I believe, are going to be on site for the entirety of the fair, looking after the Britannia in a managerial capacity. Is that correct?’
    ‘That is correct, sir, yes.’ From the corner of his eye Thomas noticed, as he said this, that the two mysterious gentlemen were exchanging a fleeting glance. ‘The brewery has engaged its own landlord, and its own serving staff, but I will be there, as a representative of the COI, to oversee things and make sure everything is above board and . . . ship-shape, as it were.’
    ‘Splendid. And have you visited the site yet?’
    ‘I’m flying out to Brussels for a preliminary view on Thursday, sir.’
    ‘Excellent. We wish you all the very best of British luck with that assignment, Mr Foley. And I’m sure that I myself will be seeing more of you in Brussels.’
    Thomas smiled his thanks, and inclined his head. It was a careful, restrained gesture, and one which gave no indication of the sensations of wild pride and excitement that were coursing through him at that moment.

Trying to build up a picture
    ‘Top-notch speech in there, Mr Foley.’
    ‘Quite right. Absolutely first-class.’
    Thomas whirled around to see where the voices were coming from.