DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6914#0098
66
ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUITIES.
Mr. Kerrich has mentioned several theoretical modes in which Pointed architec-
ture might have originated, and among them he observes, that the oval figure
pointed at each extremity, termed Vesica Piscis, for which the early Christians
entertained a particular veneration, as it exhibited a Pointed arch at either end,
and was frequently displayed in episcopal and conventual seals, and, as an orna-
ment in buildings, might have suggested the Pointed arch, and led to the
introduction of it in place of the previously-used semicircular arch.87 This writer
does not attempt to decide positively in what country Pointed architecture had its
origin, but is disposed to believe that Germany has the best claim to the inven-
tion.88
In the "Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy" for 1789,89 is an Essay on
late of Magdalen College, Cambridge. See " Dickinson's Antiquities," &c. in Nottinghamshire, vol. i.
parti, p. 65. Mr. Willson remarks, that " Death closed the labours of Mr. Essex just at the time when
a new master in modern Gothic architecture appeared, who soon eclipsed all former fame. Mr. James
Wyatt, whose skill in Grecian architecture had long before placed him at the head of his profession, was
consulted in 1782 by Thomas Barrett, Esq. for the improvement of his seat at Lee, near Canterbury.
Wyatt designed several plans, some Grecian, some Gothic. The latter was adopted; and the success of
the imitation soon made both the place and the architect highly celebrated." Of this edifice Mr. Walpole
[Lord Orford] thus expresses his approbation: — "The house at Lee, which was but indifferent before,
has been, by the skill and art of Mr. Wyatt, admirably improved in the disposition of the apartments ;
amongst them is a very beautiful library, finished in a most perfect style of Gothic taste. The three
fronts of the house convey the idea of a small convent, never attempted to be demolished, but partly
modernized, and adapted to the habitation of a gentleman's family." And in the later editions of "The
Anecdotes of Painting," he again takes occasion to praise Mr. Wyatt's success in this his first essay.
" Mr. Wyatt, at Mr. Barrett's at Lee, near Canterbury, has, with a disciple's fidelity to the models of
his master, superadded the invention of a genius. The little library has all the air of an abbot's study,
except that it discovers more taste." Vide Lord Oxford's " Works," vol. iii. 4to. p. 433. " Mr. Wyatt's
subsequent works in imitation of the ancient architecture of England are too well known to need descrip-
tion, and too numerous to allow of it here. Several of these buildings were far more extensive and
sumptuous than any such works previously executed; but the praise of beautiful imitations of this style
cannot be allowed to this celebrated architect, without at least a regret for the destruction of some valuable
original specimens in three of the cathedrals submitted to his taste,—Lichfield, Salisbury, and Durham.
His genius was fully gratified in florid details, without always attending to ancient rules; and too much is
claimed for the fame of Mr. Wyatt, when he is said to have ' revived, in this country, the long-forgotten
beauties of Gothic architecture.'" Willson's Remarks, prefixed to P ugin's " Specimens," p. xvii—xix.
See also "The Gentleman's Magazine," Sept. 1813 ; and " The Monthly Magazine," Oct. same year.
87 " Archaaologia," vol. xvi. p. 313, 314. 8J " Archceologia," vol. xvi. p. 300.
89 Vol. iii 4to. Dublin, 1790.
ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUITIES.
Mr. Kerrich has mentioned several theoretical modes in which Pointed architec-
ture might have originated, and among them he observes, that the oval figure
pointed at each extremity, termed Vesica Piscis, for which the early Christians
entertained a particular veneration, as it exhibited a Pointed arch at either end,
and was frequently displayed in episcopal and conventual seals, and, as an orna-
ment in buildings, might have suggested the Pointed arch, and led to the
introduction of it in place of the previously-used semicircular arch.87 This writer
does not attempt to decide positively in what country Pointed architecture had its
origin, but is disposed to believe that Germany has the best claim to the inven-
tion.88
In the "Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy" for 1789,89 is an Essay on
late of Magdalen College, Cambridge. See " Dickinson's Antiquities," &c. in Nottinghamshire, vol. i.
parti, p. 65. Mr. Willson remarks, that " Death closed the labours of Mr. Essex just at the time when
a new master in modern Gothic architecture appeared, who soon eclipsed all former fame. Mr. James
Wyatt, whose skill in Grecian architecture had long before placed him at the head of his profession, was
consulted in 1782 by Thomas Barrett, Esq. for the improvement of his seat at Lee, near Canterbury.
Wyatt designed several plans, some Grecian, some Gothic. The latter was adopted; and the success of
the imitation soon made both the place and the architect highly celebrated." Of this edifice Mr. Walpole
[Lord Orford] thus expresses his approbation: — "The house at Lee, which was but indifferent before,
has been, by the skill and art of Mr. Wyatt, admirably improved in the disposition of the apartments ;
amongst them is a very beautiful library, finished in a most perfect style of Gothic taste. The three
fronts of the house convey the idea of a small convent, never attempted to be demolished, but partly
modernized, and adapted to the habitation of a gentleman's family." And in the later editions of "The
Anecdotes of Painting," he again takes occasion to praise Mr. Wyatt's success in this his first essay.
" Mr. Wyatt, at Mr. Barrett's at Lee, near Canterbury, has, with a disciple's fidelity to the models of
his master, superadded the invention of a genius. The little library has all the air of an abbot's study,
except that it discovers more taste." Vide Lord Oxford's " Works," vol. iii. 4to. p. 433. " Mr. Wyatt's
subsequent works in imitation of the ancient architecture of England are too well known to need descrip-
tion, and too numerous to allow of it here. Several of these buildings were far more extensive and
sumptuous than any such works previously executed; but the praise of beautiful imitations of this style
cannot be allowed to this celebrated architect, without at least a regret for the destruction of some valuable
original specimens in three of the cathedrals submitted to his taste,—Lichfield, Salisbury, and Durham.
His genius was fully gratified in florid details, without always attending to ancient rules; and too much is
claimed for the fame of Mr. Wyatt, when he is said to have ' revived, in this country, the long-forgotten
beauties of Gothic architecture.'" Willson's Remarks, prefixed to P ugin's " Specimens," p. xvii—xix.
See also "The Gentleman's Magazine," Sept. 1813 ; and " The Monthly Magazine," Oct. same year.
87 " Archaaologia," vol. xvi. p. 313, 314. 8J " Archceologia," vol. xvi. p. 300.
89 Vol. iii 4to. Dublin, 1790.