Further Information on Gothic Revival

After our contextual studies lesson on the Gothic Revival I did further research to make things clearer for me to understand. Gothic was an architectural style during the Middle Ages, until the Renaissance in the early 15th century. Aspects of this style were used for interiors, in the late 18th century, and known as 'Gothick' along with rococo. The style was revived again in the mid-19th century but was a reaction against the classical style and its symmetry. It started mainly in churches and public building but influences domestic interiors by the late 1860s.

Style

• ecclesiastical details - pointed arches, ogee arches, stained glass

• red and blue, gold

• 'tracery' - decorative ribbing

• heraldic emblems - coats of arms, mythical beasts and the tree of life

• 'cusping' - decorative projections of heads, gargoyles, animals or leaves

Influences

• medieval ecclesiastical architecture - churches and cathedrals

• illustrated medieval manuscripts

• arts and crafts movement - return to medieval style and practices

The names

• AWN Pugin - leader of Gothic revival, he designed interiors and the exterior detailing of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben's clock tower (the Houses themselves were designed by Sir Charles Barry)

• George Gilbert Scott - architect of The Albert Memorial, Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras station, London

• William Burges - architect of Cardiff Castle

• Herbert Minton - a potter who collaborated with Pugin on tiles

Seen in:

• Notre Dame, Paris

• Wells Cathedral, Somerset

• King's College Chapel, Cambridge

Gothic revival:

• House of Parliament, rebuilt in Gothic style in 1836

• Cecil Higgins Museum, Bedfordshire. William Burges Room

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812 - 1852)

His writings, Contrasts, Christian Architecture and True Principles, were major influences on the style and theory of the Gothic Revival. Pugin urged designers to work from the fundamental principles of Medieval art, which included truth to structure, material and purpose. His work included many Catholic churches, Palace of Westminster as well as designs for stained glass, textiles and furniture. He also organised the Medieval Court display at the Great Exhibition 1851.