DOI issue:
No. 39 (June, 1896)
DOI article:The revival of English domestic architecture, [1] The work of Mr. Norman Shaw
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.17297#0044
The Revival of English Domestic Architecture
BEDROOM AT " REDROOFS," STREATHAM MESSRS. ERNEST GEORGE AND PETO, ARCHITECTS
surely a proof of very great loyalty to the ideal he size ; it is not small in idea nor in treatment. Nor
has set up and maintained so nobly. In our is it one you could call " quaint " with any show of
complex life to-day, poverty of idea is accom- fitness. The simplicity of its main features, even
panied, as a rule, by extravagant expression. Your when reduced to " black and white," and the
man who has something to say, whether an old absence of an inch of ornament, bespeaks the
truth or a new interpretation of it, tries to set it artist. Here are no ridge-tiles, barge-boards, or
forth clearly and simply ; but if he is not quite sure other architectural trimmings. Solidity and dignity
whether what he has to say be true or new, he are gained with very simple use of material. It is
clothes the idea with all the fashions of the moment, monumental, because its practical features, evident
and tries to make it appear the very latest expression at a glance, appear sturdy enough to withstand the
of modern culture. In all the arts one has a right wear and tear of centuries ; but although built
to suspect that language was given man to conceal after the manner of Elizabethan houses, it does
thought, or that ornament was given to conceal in- not look a sham antique. The delightful verandah,
vention; it matters not how you paraphrase the an integral part of the construction, be it noted,
epigram. and no afterthought, the simple device which
The number of buildings for which Messrs. connects a small lean-to of the study with
George and Peto are responsible demands a still the chimney-shafts, the overhanging bay of the
further subdivision, so that this paper will illustrate centre gable, which forms in effect a porch—all
only his smaller houses, leaving the palatial man- these features are obviously structural rather than
sions—and for once the bombastic term is fully merely picturesque adornments. Only the dovecot
justified—to consideration in a final paper. is an applied feature, all the others are as essen-
But in these less pretentious houses the artistic tially part of the house as its foundation or its
excellence differs merely in degree. The delightful chimneys. In A House with Studio, near Guildford,
little Cottage at Harpenden is merely small in still greater simplicity of mass is effected, the pro-
29
BEDROOM AT " REDROOFS," STREATHAM MESSRS. ERNEST GEORGE AND PETO, ARCHITECTS
surely a proof of very great loyalty to the ideal he size ; it is not small in idea nor in treatment. Nor
has set up and maintained so nobly. In our is it one you could call " quaint " with any show of
complex life to-day, poverty of idea is accom- fitness. The simplicity of its main features, even
panied, as a rule, by extravagant expression. Your when reduced to " black and white," and the
man who has something to say, whether an old absence of an inch of ornament, bespeaks the
truth or a new interpretation of it, tries to set it artist. Here are no ridge-tiles, barge-boards, or
forth clearly and simply ; but if he is not quite sure other architectural trimmings. Solidity and dignity
whether what he has to say be true or new, he are gained with very simple use of material. It is
clothes the idea with all the fashions of the moment, monumental, because its practical features, evident
and tries to make it appear the very latest expression at a glance, appear sturdy enough to withstand the
of modern culture. In all the arts one has a right wear and tear of centuries ; but although built
to suspect that language was given man to conceal after the manner of Elizabethan houses, it does
thought, or that ornament was given to conceal in- not look a sham antique. The delightful verandah,
vention; it matters not how you paraphrase the an integral part of the construction, be it noted,
epigram. and no afterthought, the simple device which
The number of buildings for which Messrs. connects a small lean-to of the study with
George and Peto are responsible demands a still the chimney-shafts, the overhanging bay of the
further subdivision, so that this paper will illustrate centre gable, which forms in effect a porch—all
only his smaller houses, leaving the palatial man- these features are obviously structural rather than
sions—and for once the bombastic term is fully merely picturesque adornments. Only the dovecot
justified—to consideration in a final paper. is an applied feature, all the others are as essen-
But in these less pretentious houses the artistic tially part of the house as its foundation or its
excellence differs merely in degree. The delightful chimneys. In A House with Studio, near Guildford,
little Cottage at Harpenden is merely small in still greater simplicity of mass is effected, the pro-
29