Richardsonian Romanesque
The renowned architect of the Victorian era H.H. Richardson was inspired by the French and Spanish Romanesque of the 11th century and instigated a revival of those styles between 1870 to 1900. These houses were made of stone and had broad openings, deeply set arranged windows, short towers and chimneys. The appearance of the houses depended on mass, volume, and scale rather than enriched or decorative detailing.
Beside these major styles, some houses are called Folk Victorian and Shingle Style. Some Victorians could not afford the elaborate trim of the Gothic Revival and build houses with same design but more modest. These are known as Folk Victorian. On the other hand, extremely wealthy people built some houses away from the cities which were without decoration and covered with unpainted wooden shingles to give them a rusty look. This style is referred to as Shingle Style.
Modern experts criticise the Victorian architecture as extravagant but nobody can deny the beauty and grandeur of buildings like Crystal Palace, The Royal Albert Hall. Due to progress in science and technology, the architects and designers could use fine building materials like crystals, glasses and cast irons. These materials were highly durable and sophisticated, a testimony to which could be found in many Victorian brilliance still gracing in different parts of the country.
The styles of the era did not just remain within England. People from all over the world followed British designers to make plans for their buildings. Former British colonies like India, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia still bear the legacy of the British Raj in numerous gigantic Victorian structures, which were made by the British while they ruled in those countries.
Original Authors: Bishal Chakma
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 23/07/2008
