Gothic Revival

Gothic Revival style is part of the mid-19th century and Romantic Movement in architecture, and inspired by medieval design. This was a popular style that drew inspiration from the classical forms of ancient Greece and Rome. While it’s different from the Gothic Revival and the Greek revival style they looked into the past, and both of them remained popular throughout the mid-19th century. Gothic Revival in America was advanced by architects Alexander Jackson Davis and Andrew Jackson, authors of influential the house plan books, Rural Residences (1837) and The Architecture of Country Houses. This style was promoted as an appropriate design with its irregular shapes and forms fitting well into the natural landscape.
The Gothic Revival style was often chosen for country homes and houses in rural or small towns.

It was also popular in churches that where high in style elements as castle, towers were very common. The name had comes from the use of decorative elements on the exterior.

 

 

 

 

The most appreciated feature of the Gothic Revival style is the pointed arches that are used for doors,windows, and decorative elements such as like porches or roof gables. Some more characteristic details include steeply pitched roofs with delicate wooden trim called bargeboards. This wooden trim is often referred to as “gingerbread” and its feature associated with this style. Gothic style buildings often have porches with decorative, with flattened arches. Revival style churches may have just not pointed arch and windows, but also often feature a Norman castle-like tower with a high spire.

Examples of Gothic Revival buildings of both high character and style can be found all anywhere all the state. Diffierent style buildings such like churches and schools offer ornate architectural details. Gothic details may also be found in urban settings or duplexes. Gothic Revival details in the 19th century were mixed with some elements of Victorian era styles so that it would became a style known as the Victorian Gothic. Gothic Revival architectural style in the early of the 20th century that drew its inspiration from medieval architecture and competed with the Neoclassical revivals in the United States.

The Strawberry Hill is one of the earliest documented example of the revived of Gothic architectural elements. Gothic Revival was also used for its romantic qualities without regard for its structural and original function. Another early example designed by James Wyatt for ornamentation and decoration was Fonthill Abbey  a country house with a tower 82 m high. Nothing more clearly could illustrate the usage and the romantic associations with medieval life.

 

Some other structures that were built around mid-century were within basic patterns. Later then desire for more elegant created the last flowering of the style.

In United States, the style can also be divided into two phases. The early one that was rich but comparatively unscholarly, was by Richard Upjohn’s Trinity Church. Later style, archaeologically was correct and inspired such many structures as Renwick’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York City, 1859–79) and it was to dominate public building.

 

 

 

Referencing

Gothic Revival | architectural style | Encyclopedia Britannica. 2015. Gothic Revival | architectural style | Encyclopedia Britannica. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/239789/Gothic-Revival. [Accessed 28 January 2015].

Gothic Revival Architecture in England. 2015. Gothic Revival Architecture in England. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.britainexpress.com/architecture/gothic-revival.htm. [Accessed 28 January 2015].

Gothic Revival, Lauuh!. 2015. Gothic Revival, Lauuh!. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.silvercreek.wclark.k12.in.us/studentwork/architecture/gothic/gothic%20revival.htm. [Accessed 28 January 2015].