Battle of the Styles
One of the most important features of the Victorian era was the "battle of styles" between different architectural styles of the time. As dynamic as the Victorian era was, it was looking for a national architectural design for manifestation of national sentiments through public buildings. Consequently, the government asked designers to submit designs for public buildings like the House of Parliament and the foreign office that were to be made. Several designs with different styles were submitted.
Among them two major schools of architecture stood out- the Gothic Revival and the Victorian Classicism. Augustus Pugin, through his book Contrasts; or, a Parallel between the Noble Edifices of the 14th and 15th centuries and similar buildings of the Present Day; showing the Present decay of Taste (1836). Inspired a whole generation of architects and designers to revive the old styles and build houses keeping faith in medieval values and expressions. Pugin wanted architecture of moralist nostalgia and spiritualism.
On the other hand, Charles Cockerell pioneered the Victorian classicism. The Classical style of the 19th Century was forward-looking and innovative, in contrast to the retrospective architecture of the Gothic revivalists. He believed in the `permanent validity of classical architecture', and wanted to combine and blend old rules with new tastes. He had faith in all styles from the classical buildings of old period and considered himself as inheritor of all classical language of architecture.
Original Authors: Bishal Chakma
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 03/04/2007
