DOI issue:
Nr. 190 (January 1909)
DOI article:Morris, G. L.: Edwin L. Lutyens, F.R.I.B.A., architect of houses and gardens
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.20965#0295
Edwin L. Lutyens, F.R.LB.A.
beck classical spirit, which in architecture was
governed by a rigid system of rales and propor-
tions applied indifferently to both buildings and
materials. As remarked by Mr. A. J. Penty, in
writing of “ The Arts and Crafts Movement,” “ the
Oxford movement in the Church of England, the
pre-Raphaelite movement in art, and the Gothic
revival in architecture were all different aspects
of the same revolt.” Out of the last-named sprang
the principles of the present development in
domestic architecture. Pugin’s two great rales
for design are as applicable now as when he
wrote. First, that there should be no features
about a building which are not necessary for con-
venience, construction, or propriety. Second, that
ornament should consist of the enrichment of the
essential construction of the building. For the
practical application of these rules in house building
one must turn to the work associated with the name
of Mr. George Devey. He was the first after 185 t
to realise in a commonsense way that every detail
should have a meaning or serve a purpose, and
that construction should vary in accordance with
the materials employed. He was a kind of archi-
tectural John the Baptist, who prepared the way
for that school of house builders in which pro-
minently figure the names of Philip Webb, W. Eden
Nesfield, Norman Shaw and E. L. Lutyens.
Mr. Lutyens stands in intimate relation to these
great changes which have been taking place in
domestic architecture. He is the most able house
architect practising at the present day, and at the
same time exercises an influence over the younger
generation of architects which must leave ultimately
as permanent an impression upon the architecture of
the futureas Mr. Norman Shaw and Mr. Philip Webb
did in their generation. His finest work is stamped
with the hall - mark of great design ; its most
striking characteristics, a spaciousness, simplicity,
and a harmony that are the outcome of a natural
genius in the adjustment of parts towards a
dignified and deliberate unity of effect. This unity,
in the writer's opinion, is the pre-eminent quality
underlying the orderly and tranquil beauty manifest
in Mr. Lutyens’ houses. He never fails in this
respect ; cne may cavil at certain details, or ques-
HESTERCOMBE, TAUNTON: THE EAST LILY TANK
272
EDWIN L. LUTYENS, ARCHITECT
beck classical spirit, which in architecture was
governed by a rigid system of rales and propor-
tions applied indifferently to both buildings and
materials. As remarked by Mr. A. J. Penty, in
writing of “ The Arts and Crafts Movement,” “ the
Oxford movement in the Church of England, the
pre-Raphaelite movement in art, and the Gothic
revival in architecture were all different aspects
of the same revolt.” Out of the last-named sprang
the principles of the present development in
domestic architecture. Pugin’s two great rales
for design are as applicable now as when he
wrote. First, that there should be no features
about a building which are not necessary for con-
venience, construction, or propriety. Second, that
ornament should consist of the enrichment of the
essential construction of the building. For the
practical application of these rules in house building
one must turn to the work associated with the name
of Mr. George Devey. He was the first after 185 t
to realise in a commonsense way that every detail
should have a meaning or serve a purpose, and
that construction should vary in accordance with
the materials employed. He was a kind of archi-
tectural John the Baptist, who prepared the way
for that school of house builders in which pro-
minently figure the names of Philip Webb, W. Eden
Nesfield, Norman Shaw and E. L. Lutyens.
Mr. Lutyens stands in intimate relation to these
great changes which have been taking place in
domestic architecture. He is the most able house
architect practising at the present day, and at the
same time exercises an influence over the younger
generation of architects which must leave ultimately
as permanent an impression upon the architecture of
the futureas Mr. Norman Shaw and Mr. Philip Webb
did in their generation. His finest work is stamped
with the hall - mark of great design ; its most
striking characteristics, a spaciousness, simplicity,
and a harmony that are the outcome of a natural
genius in the adjustment of parts towards a
dignified and deliberate unity of effect. This unity,
in the writer's opinion, is the pre-eminent quality
underlying the orderly and tranquil beauty manifest
in Mr. Lutyens’ houses. He never fails in this
respect ; cne may cavil at certain details, or ques-
HESTERCOMBE, TAUNTON: THE EAST LILY TANK
272
EDWIN L. LUTYENS, ARCHITECT