The dawning of Whiggish philosophy and Architecture - Revision history

Paulreed: /* Mereworth Castle */

2013-04-08T17:32:26Z

Mereworth Castle

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:32, 8 April 2013
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	==Mereworth Castle==		==Mereworth Castle==

	If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then [[Colen Campbell]]’s publication of [[Vitruvius ~~Britannicus~~]] is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to [[Neo-Classicism]] yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.		If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then [[Colen Campbell]]’s publication of [[roman::author::Vitruvius]] Britannicus is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to [[Neo-Classicism]] yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.
	At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to [[Palladio]]’s Villa Rotunda		At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to [[Palladio]]’s Villa Rotunda

Paulreed: /* Radcliffe Camera */

2012-07-26T12:54:03Z

Radcliffe Camera

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:54, 26 July 2012
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	The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of [[Gibbs]] is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.		The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of [[Gibbs]] is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.

	==Radcliffe Camera==		==[[Radcliffe Camera]]==
	Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor [[Corinthian]] columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.		Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor [[Corinthian]] columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.

Paulreed: /* Mereworth Castle */

2012-07-11T12:38:43Z

Mereworth Castle

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:38, 11 July 2012
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	The similarities are striking. [[Pedimented]] [[portico]]’s atop [[ionic]] columns on four sides with the roof capped with a high dome. Windows are not prominent and adorned with a simple pediment. The columns and square proportions extenuate the vertical. The interior decorations are mostly molded plaster on the main floor and simple paneling upstairs to provide a layer of insulation. Nonetheless it retains the feel of a villa and satisfies Palladio’s criteria of economy of materials, dramatic motifs and harmony and balance. Except for the dominance for the Dome and the garland on the pediment all Baroque influences are banished.		The similarities are striking. [[Pedimented]] [[portico]]’s atop [[ionic]] columns on four sides with the roof capped with a high dome. Windows are not prominent and adorned with a simple pediment. The columns and square proportions extenuate the vertical. The interior decorations are mostly molded plaster on the main floor and simple paneling upstairs to provide a layer of insulation. Nonetheless it retains the feel of a villa and satisfies Palladio’s criteria of economy of materials, dramatic motifs and harmony and balance. Except for the dominance for the Dome and the garland on the pediment all Baroque influences are banished.
	As a building it would meet Shaftesbury’s criterion that the character of a building should be founded in truth and nature and independent of fancy. Other examples of Palladio-influenced buildings are not hard to find in the following twenty years, such as Campbell-designed [[Stourhead House]] (1724), [[Lord Burlington’s]] [[Chiswick House]] (1726-1729) and [[William Kent’s]] [[Holkham Hall]] (1734). However, in most cases [[Neo-Classicism]] architecture was influenced more by the English [[Inigo Jones]] than the Italian Palladio. This allowed the architects to be more flexible in their interpretation of classical themes that made them more English such as less prominent porticos, larger windows, the [[balustrade]] and emphasis on the horizontal and rectangular.		As a building it would meet Shaftesbury’s criterion that the character of a building should be founded in truth and nature and independent of fancy. Other examples of Palladio-influenced buildings are not hard to find in the following twenty years, such as Campbell-designed [[Stourhead House]] (1724), [[Lord Burlington’s]] [[Chiswick House]] (1726-1729) and [[William Kent’s]] [[Holkham Hall]] (1734). However, in most cases [[Neo-Classicism]] architecture was influenced more by the English [[Inigo Jones]] than the Italian Palladio. This allowed the architects to be more flexible in their interpretation of classical themes that made them more English such as less prominent porticos, larger windows, the [[balustrade]] and emphasis on the horizontal and rectangular.

			==Houghton Hall==
	If Mereworth Castle is pure breed then Houghton Hall is a mongrel in architectural terms. Houghton Hall shows Palladian styles were softened for the English taste. The original design for Houghton House was illustrated in Vitruvius Brittannicus		If Mereworth Castle is pure breed then Houghton Hall is a mongrel in architectural terms. Houghton Hall shows Palladian styles were softened for the English taste. The original design for Houghton House was illustrated in Vitruvius Brittannicus

Paulreed: /* Why did the architectural taste of the 1720s turn away from English Baroque so emphatically? How adequate is Summerson’s account? - Discuss, with reference to at least two examples of early Georgian architecture */

2012-07-11T12:33:25Z

Why did the architectural taste of the 1720s turn away from English Baroque so emphatically? How adequate is Summerson’s account? - Discuss, with reference to at least two examples of early Georgian architecture

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:33, 11 July 2012
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	We can identify one prominent Whig, Lord Shaftesbury as a key political figure making critical references to the influence of [[Baroque]] styling of Wren’s [[St Paul’s Cathedral]] and [[Hampton Court]]. English Baroque had differed from the evolving European model in that it tried to retain some clarity of design and subtle classicism and political figures such as Shaftesbury sought to draw a parallel between Baroque and Catholicism. Shaftesbury believed the time has come for Britain to develop an aesthetic of its own “founded in truth and nature” and ”independent of fancy”		We can identify one prominent Whig, Lord Shaftesbury as a key political figure making critical references to the influence of [[Baroque]] styling of Wren’s [[St Paul’s Cathedral]] and [[Hampton Court]]. English Baroque had differed from the evolving European model in that it tried to retain some clarity of design and subtle classicism and political figures such as Shaftesbury sought to draw a parallel between Baroque and Catholicism. Shaftesbury believed the time has come for Britain to develop an aesthetic of its own “founded in truth and nature” and ”independent of fancy”

			==Mereworth Castle==

	If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then [[Colen Campbell]]’s publication of [[Vitruvius Britannicus]] is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to [[Neo-Classicism]] yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.		If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then [[Colen Campbell]]’s publication of [[Vitruvius Britannicus]] is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to [[Neo-Classicism]] yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.

Paulreed at 12:30, 11 July 2012

2012-07-11T12:30:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:30, 11 July 2012
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	The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of [[Gibbs]] is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.		The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of [[Gibbs]] is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.

			==Radcliffe Camera==
	Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor [[Corinthian]] columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.		Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor [[Corinthian]] columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.

Paulreed at 19:15, 20 December 2010

2010-12-20T19:15:30Z

Paulreed at 19:11, 20 December 2010

2010-12-20T19:11:12Z

Paulreed at 19:34, 19 December 2010

2010-12-19T19:34:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:34, 19 December 2010
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	At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to Palladio’s Villa Rotunda		At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to Palladio’s Villa Rotunda

	[[File:mereworth.jpg]]		[[File:mereworth.jpg\|Mereworth Castle]]

	[[File:villa rotunda.jpg]]		[[File:villa rotunda.jpg\|Palladio's Villa Rotunda]]


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	However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.		However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.

	[[File:Houghton_Hall.jpg]]		[[File:Houghton_Hall.jpg\|Houghton Hall]]

	The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.		The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.

Paulreed at 19:32, 19 December 2010

2010-12-19T19:32:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:32, 19 December 2010
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	However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.		However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.

	[[File:~~houghton_hall~~.jpg]]		[[File:Houghton_Hall.jpg]]

	The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.		The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.

Paulreed at 19:31, 19 December 2010

2010-12-19T19:31:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:31, 19 December 2010
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	However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.		However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.

	[[File:~~houghton hall~~.jpg]]		[[File:houghton_hall.jpg]]

	The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.		The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.
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	Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor Corinthian columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.		Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor Corinthian columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.

	[[File:radcliffe camera.jpg\|~~200px~~]]		[[File:radcliffe camera.jpg\|800px\|The Radcliffe Camera]]

	Summary – The increasing wealth of the Whiggish middle classes contributed to the country house boom and lent itself to the simpler, classical, less grandieloquent designs of country estates such as Castle Howard and Blenheim. Scaled down versions of those designs would have looked absurd. In additional, the Palladian-influenced villas were quicker and cheaper to build yet conveyed the status of its owners. Therefore the changing of architectural taste away from Baroque may have been as much, or more, a pragmatic approach to building as it was a statement of political or religious independence from Catholic dominated Europe. By contrast, in the larger public works buildings such as universities and churches the element of drama and adornment is still evident and demonstrates that the interplay between architectural rationality and expression continued to be played out.		Summary – The increasing wealth of the Whiggish middle classes contributed to the country house boom and lent itself to the simpler, classical, less grandieloquent designs of country estates such as Castle Howard and Blenheim. Scaled down versions of those designs would have looked absurd. In additional, the Palladian-influenced villas were quicker and cheaper to build yet conveyed the status of its owners. Therefore the changing of architectural taste away from Baroque may have been as much, or more, a pragmatic approach to building as it was a statement of political or religious independence from Catholic dominated Europe. By contrast, in the larger public works buildings such as universities and churches the element of drama and adornment is still evident and demonstrates that the interplay between architectural rationality and expression continued to be played out.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:15, 20 December 2010
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	In the hundred years before the succession of George I in 1715 Britain had been on political and religious rollercoaster. Protestantism, as embodied in the Anglican Church, maintained its position as the prominent religion in England, but this process ebbed and flowed during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration and Glorious Revolution of 1689. Finally, with the Acts of Union in 1707, the United Kingdom was established, which ushered a relatively stable political period and a strong independent nation looking to stamp its supremacy over Europe and beyond.		In the hundred years before the succession of George I in 1715 Britain had been on political and religious rollercoaster. Protestantism, as embodied in the Anglican Church, maintained its position as the prominent religion in England, but this process ebbed and flowed during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration and Glorious Revolution of 1689. Finally, with the Acts of Union in 1707, the United Kingdom was established, which ushered a relatively stable political period and a strong independent nation looking to stamp its supremacy over Europe and beyond.


	It’s unwise to generalize but there was a tendency to associate the Tories to the more Catholic-minded Aristocracy, while the Whigs tended towards a more protestant mindset and the supremacy of Parliament. Between 1715 and 1760 the Whigs dominated the political scene and over the prolonged length of power we can see with their influence in the Architectural tastes.		It’s unwise to generalize but there was a tendency to associate the Tories to the more Catholic-minded Aristocracy, while the Whigs tended towards a more protestant mindset and the supremacy of Parliament. Between 1715 and 1760 the Whigs dominated the political scene and over the prolonged length of power we can see with their influence in the Architectural tastes.
	We can identify one prominent Whig, Lord Shaftesbury as a key political figure making critical references to the influence of Baroque styling of Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court. English Baroque had differed from the evolving European model in that it tried to retain some clarity of design and subtle classicism and political figures such as Shaftesbury sought to draw a parallel between Baroque and Catholicism. Shaftesbury believed the time has come for Britain to develop an aesthetic of its own “founded in truth and nature” and ”independent of fancy”		We can identify one prominent Whig, Lord Shaftesbury as a key political figure making critical references to the influence of [[Baroque]] styling of Wren’s [[St Paul’s Cathedral]] and [[Hampton Court]]. English Baroque had differed from the evolving European model in that it tried to retain some clarity of design and subtle classicism and political figures such as Shaftesbury sought to draw a parallel between Baroque and Catholicism. Shaftesbury believed the time has come for Britain to develop an aesthetic of its own “founded in truth and nature” and ”independent of fancy”
	If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then [[Colen Campbell]]’s publication of Vitruvius Britannicus is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to Neo-Classicism yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.

			If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then [[Colen Campbell]]’s publication of [[Vitruvius Britannicus]] is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to [[Neo-Classicism]] yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.
	At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to [[Palladio]]’s Villa Rotunda		At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to [[Palladio]]’s Villa Rotunda

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	The similarities are striking. [[Pedimented]] [[portico]]’s atop [[ionic]] columns on four sides with the roof capped with a high dome. Windows are not prominent and adorned with a simple pediment. The columns and square proportions extenuate the vertical. The interior decorations are mostly molded plaster on the main floor and simple paneling upstairs to provide a layer of insulation. Nonetheless it retains the feel of a villa and satisfies Palladio’s criteria of economy of materials, dramatic motifs and harmony and balance. Except for the dominance for the Dome and the garland on the pediment all Baroque influences are banished.		The similarities are striking. [[Pedimented]] [[portico]]’s atop [[ionic]] columns on four sides with the roof capped with a high dome. Windows are not prominent and adorned with a simple pediment. The columns and square proportions extenuate the vertical. The interior decorations are mostly molded plaster on the main floor and simple paneling upstairs to provide a layer of insulation. Nonetheless it retains the feel of a villa and satisfies Palladio’s criteria of economy of materials, dramatic motifs and harmony and balance. Except for the dominance for the Dome and the garland on the pediment all Baroque influences are banished.
	As a building it would meet Shaftesbury’s criterion that the character of a building should be founded in truth and nature and independent of fancy. Other examples of Palladio-influenced buildings are not hard to find in the following twenty years, such as Campbell-designed Stourhead House (1724), Lord Burlington’s Chiswick House (1726-1729) and William Kent’s Holkham Hall (1734). However, in most cases Neo-Classicism architecture was influenced more by the English [[Inigo Jones]] than the Italian Palladio. This allowed the architects to be more flexible in their interpretation of classical themes that made them more English such as less prominent porticos, larger windows, the [[balustrade]] and emphasis on the horizontal and rectangular.		As a building it would meet Shaftesbury’s criterion that the character of a building should be founded in truth and nature and independent of fancy. Other examples of Palladio-influenced buildings are not hard to find in the following twenty years, such as Campbell-designed [[Stourhead House]] (1724), [[Lord Burlington’s]] [[Chiswick House]] (1726-1729) and [[William Kent’s]] [[Holkham Hall]] (1734). However, in most cases [[Neo-Classicism]] architecture was influenced more by the English [[Inigo Jones]] than the Italian Palladio. This allowed the architects to be more flexible in their interpretation of classical themes that made them more English such as less prominent porticos, larger windows, the [[balustrade]] and emphasis on the horizontal and rectangular.
	If Mereworth Castle is pure breed then Houghton Hall is a mongrel in architectural terms. Houghton Hall shows Palladian styles were softened for the English taste. The original design for Houghton House was illustrated in Vitruvius Brittannicus		If Mereworth Castle is pure breed then Houghton Hall is a mongrel in architectural terms. Houghton Hall shows Palladian styles were softened for the English taste. The original design for Houghton House was illustrated in Vitruvius Brittannicus

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	[[File:Houghton_Hall.jpg\|Houghton Hall]]		[[File:Houghton_Hall.jpg\|Houghton Hall]]

	The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.		The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of [[Gibbs]] is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.

	Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor [[Corinthian]] columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.		Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor [[Corinthian]] columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:11, 20 December 2010
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	- John Summerson: Architecture in Britain, 1530 to 1830 (1977)		- John Summerson: Architecture in Britain, 1530 to 1830 (1977)

	Why did the architectural taste of the 1720s turn away from English Baroque so emphatically? How adequate is Summerson’s account? - Discuss, with reference to at least two examples of early Georgian architecture		===Why did the architectural taste of the 1720s turn away from English Baroque so emphatically? How adequate is Summerson’s account? - Discuss, with reference to at least two examples of early Georgian architecture===

	In the hundred years before the succession of George I in 1715 Britain had been on political and religious rollercoaster. Protestantism, as embodied in the Anglican Church, maintained its position as the prominent religion in England, but this process ebbed and flowed during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration and Glorious Revolution of 1689. Finally, with the Acts of Union in 1707, the United Kingdom was established, which ushered a relatively stable political period and a strong independent nation looking to stamp its supremacy over Europe and beyond.		In the hundred years before the succession of George I in 1715 Britain had been on political and religious rollercoaster. Protestantism, as embodied in the Anglican Church, maintained its position as the prominent religion in England, but this process ebbed and flowed during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration and Glorious Revolution of 1689. Finally, with the Acts of Union in 1707, the United Kingdom was established, which ushered a relatively stable political period and a strong independent nation looking to stamp its supremacy over Europe and beyond.
	It’s unwise to generalize but there was a tendency to associate the Tories to the more Catholic-minded Aristocracy, while the Whigs tended towards a more protestant mindset and the supremacy of Parliament. Between 1715 and 1760 the Whigs dominated the political scene and over the prolonged length of power we can see with their influence in the Architectural tastes.		It’s unwise to generalize but there was a tendency to associate the Tories to the more Catholic-minded Aristocracy, while the Whigs tended towards a more protestant mindset and the supremacy of Parliament. Between 1715 and 1760 the Whigs dominated the political scene and over the prolonged length of power we can see with their influence in the Architectural tastes.
	We can identify one prominent Whig, Lord Shaftesbury as a key political figure making critical references to the influence of Baroque styling of Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court. English Baroque had differed from the evolving European model in that it tried to retain some clarity of design and subtle classicism and political figures such as Shaftesbury sought to draw a parallel between Baroque and Catholicism. Shaftesbury believed the time has come for Britain to develop an aesthetic of its own “founded in truth and nature” and ”independent of fancy”		We can identify one prominent Whig, Lord Shaftesbury as a key political figure making critical references to the influence of Baroque styling of Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court. English Baroque had differed from the evolving European model in that it tried to retain some clarity of design and subtle classicism and political figures such as Shaftesbury sought to draw a parallel between Baroque and Catholicism. Shaftesbury believed the time has come for Britain to develop an aesthetic of its own “founded in truth and nature” and ”independent of fancy”
	If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then Colen ~~Campbell’s~~ publication of Vitruvius Britannicus is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to Neo-Classicism yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.		If Shaftesbury articulated the ‘problem’ but not the solution, then [[Colen Campbell]]’s publication of Vitruvius Britannicus is what Howard Sutchbury calls the manifesto that established English Palladianism. Two early examples of Georgian architecture; Houghton Hall, Norfolk (1722) and Mereworth Castle, Kent (1723) together show both the radical transition to Neo-Classicism yet Radcliffe Camera (1737-1749)shows that English Palladianism could be extremely flexible.
	At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to ~~Palladio’s~~ Villa Rotunda		At Mereworth Castle, Colen Campbell is paying homage to [[Palladio]]’s Villa Rotunda

	[[File:mereworth.jpg\|Mereworth Castle]]		[[File:mereworth.jpg\|Mereworth Castle]]
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	The similarities are striking. Pedimented ~~portico’s~~ atop ~~iconic~~ columns on four sides with the roof capped with a high dome. Windows are not prominent and adorned with a simple pediment. The columns and square proportions extenuate the vertical. The interior decorations are mostly molded plaster on the main floor and simple paneling upstairs to provide a layer of insulation. Nonetheless it retains the feel of a villa and satisfies Palladio’s criteria of economy of materials, dramatic motifs and harmony and balance. Except for the dominance for the Dome and the garland on the pediment all Baroque influences are banished.		The similarities are striking. [[Pedimented]] [[portico]]’s atop [[ionic]] columns on four sides with the roof capped with a high dome. Windows are not prominent and adorned with a simple pediment. The columns and square proportions extenuate the vertical. The interior decorations are mostly molded plaster on the main floor and simple paneling upstairs to provide a layer of insulation. Nonetheless it retains the feel of a villa and satisfies Palladio’s criteria of economy of materials, dramatic motifs and harmony and balance. Except for the dominance for the Dome and the garland on the pediment all Baroque influences are banished.
	As a building it would meet Shaftesbury’s criterion that the character of a building should be founded in truth and nature and independent of fancy. Other examples of Palladio-influenced buildings are not hard to find in the following twenty years, such as Campbell-designed Stourhead House (1724), Lord Burlington’s Chiswick House (1726-1729) and William Kent’s Holkham Hall (1734). However, in most cases Neo-Classicism architecture was influenced more by the English Inigo Jones than the Italian Palladio. This allowed the architects to be more flexible in their interpretation of classical themes that made them more English such as less prominent porticos, larger windows, the balustrade and emphasis on the horizontal and rectangular.		As a building it would meet Shaftesbury’s criterion that the character of a building should be founded in truth and nature and independent of fancy. Other examples of Palladio-influenced buildings are not hard to find in the following twenty years, such as Campbell-designed Stourhead House (1724), Lord Burlington’s Chiswick House (1726-1729) and William Kent’s Holkham Hall (1734). However, in most cases Neo-Classicism architecture was influenced more by the English [[Inigo Jones]] than the Italian Palladio. This allowed the architects to be more flexible in their interpretation of classical themes that made them more English such as less prominent porticos, larger windows, the [[balustrade]] and emphasis on the horizontal and rectangular.
	If Mereworth Castle is pure breed then Houghton Hall is a mongrel in architectural terms. Houghton Hall shows Palladian styles were softened for the English taste. The original design for Houghton House was illustrated in Vitruvius Brittannicus		If Mereworth Castle is pure breed then Houghton Hall is a mongrel in architectural terms. Houghton Hall shows Palladian styles were softened for the English taste. The original design for Houghton House was illustrated in Vitruvius Brittannicus

	[[File:houghton hall sketch.jpg]]		[[File:houghton hall sketch.jpg]]

	We can see that the original design has strong Palladian features. Serlian windows can be seen on the pedimented pavilions. Eyes are drawn to the rusticated basement, piano nobile and the prominent, dramatic pedimented portico with the grand order of ionic columns. The small square first floor windows are reminiscent of Palladian design and there is also the harmony and balance if not, necessarily, the economic use of materials. The balustrade owes more to Inigo Jones’ Banqueting House and even in this early design it does not have the feel of a countryside villa but something more substantial.		We can see that the original design has strong Palladian features. [[Serlian]] windows can be seen on the pedimented [[pavilions]]. Eyes are drawn to the rusticated basement, [[piano nobile]] and the prominent, dramatic pedimented portico with the grand order of ionic columns. The small square first floor windows are reminiscent of Palladian design and there is also the harmony and balance if not, necessarily, the economic use of materials. The balustrade owes more to Inigo Jones’ [[Banqueting House]] and even in this early design it does not have the feel of a countryside villa but something more substantial.
	However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.		However, the design as built, looks very different. It is almost a fusion of Baroque and Neo-Classicism.

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	The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.		The Serlian windows remain as does the rusticated basement but the first floor windows are enlarged. The most dramatic changes are inclusion of domes instead of the pavilions and removal of the portico with a much more restrained ionic colonnade whilst still maintaining the impressive pediment. Although proportional the lines express the horizontal and rectangular and not the vertical and square. The overall impression is one where the Baroque of Gibbs is successfully merged with the Palladian-influenced Campbell.

	Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor Corinthian columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.		Whilst Gibbs, a Catholic with Tory sympathies, softened the baroque feel to his designs, buildings such St Martins-in-the-Fields London (1722) and Radcliffe Camera (1739) continued to be built. There is no better example of a dramatic building evocative of Mannerist and Baroque periods, yet it was built right in the middle of the Palladian era. Here we see the ‘irrational’ syncopated clustering of first floor [[Corinthian]] columns. The buttresses do not line up the columns so that any pretense that these are load bearing is secondary to its aesthetic lines. Niches and false windows break up bare walls.

	[[File:radcliffe camera.jpg\|800px\|The Radcliffe Camera]]		[[File:radcliffe camera.jpg\|800px\|The Radcliffe Camera]]

	Summary – The increasing wealth of the Whiggish middle classes contributed to the country house boom and lent itself to the simpler, classical, less grandieloquent designs of country estates such as Castle Howard and Blenheim. Scaled down versions of those designs would have looked absurd. In additional, the Palladian-influenced villas were quicker and cheaper to build yet conveyed the status of its owners. Therefore the changing of architectural taste away from Baroque may have been as much, or more, a pragmatic approach to building as it was a statement of political or religious independence from Catholic dominated Europe. By contrast, in the larger public works buildings such as universities and churches the element of drama and adornment is still evident and demonstrates that the interplay between architectural rationality and expression continued to be played out.		Summary – The increasing wealth of the Whiggish middle classes contributed to the country house boom and lent itself to the simpler, classical, less grandieloquent designs of country estates such as [[Castle Howard]] and [[Blenheim Palace]]. Scaled down versions of those designs would have looked absurd. In additional, the Palladian-influenced villas were quicker and cheaper to build yet conveyed the status of its owners. Therefore the changing of architectural taste away from Baroque may have been as much, or more, a pragmatic approach to building as it was a statement of political or religious independence from Catholic dominated Europe. By contrast, in the larger public works buildings such as universities and churches the element of drama and adornment is still evident and demonstrates that the interplay between architectural rationality and expression continued to be played out.


	[[Category:Architecture]]		[[Category:Architecture]]