Gothic Revival

Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the late 1740s in England and has spread throughout the world. The style seeks to revive elements of Gothic architecture, which was predominant during the high and late medieval period. Gothic Revival is characterized by its use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and an emphasis on verticality and light.

Origins and Development

The Gothic Revival movement emerged as a reaction against the neoclassical styles prevalent in the 18th century. Its roots can be traced back to England in the mid-18th century, with figures such as Horace Walpole, who built Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham, London, as one of the earliest examples. The movement gained momentum in the 19th century, largely due to the influence of architects like Augustus Pugin, who was a leading figure in the revival of Gothic architecture. Pugin's works and his writings, particularly Contrasts (1836) and The True Principles of Pointed or Christian Architecture (1841), argued for the revival of medieval, Gothic architecture as a spiritual and morally uplifting style, in contrast to what he saw as the mechanical and soulless nature of Neoclassical architecture.

Characteristics

Gothic Revival architecture is marked by several key characteristics:

• Pointed Arches: One of the most recognizable features, pointed arches were used extensively in doorways, windows, and arcades.
• Ribbed Vaults: These are intersecting roof ribs that form a structural skeleton, often used in the ceilings of Gothic cathedrals.
• Flying Buttresses: External supports that transfer the wall load over the aisles to the outer walls, allowing for higher and lighter structures.
• Ornamentation: Intricate and elaborate decorations, including carvings, gargoyles, and stained glass windows, are a hallmark of the style.

Impact and Legacy

The Gothic Revival had a significant impact on the architectural landscape, influencing not only religious buildings but also secular structures such as houses, schools, and government buildings. In the United States, the style was popularized by architects like Richard Upjohn and James Renwick, Jr., and can be seen in numerous churches and university buildings.

The movement also played a role in the development of architectural thought, particularly in terms of cultural and historical awareness. It contributed to the Victorian era's interest in medievalism and the broader Romantic movement, which celebrated historical styles and the sublime aspects of nature.

Notable Examples

• Westminster Palace, London, England - Rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, it is one of the most iconic examples of the style.
• St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, USA - Designed by James Renwick, Jr., it is a landmark of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States.
• Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany - Though originally begun in 1248, its completion in the 19th century was heavily influenced by Gothic Revival aesthetics.

Criticism and Decline

By the late 19th century, the Gothic Revival began to decline as other architectural styles, such as Baroque Revival and Modernism, emerged. Critics of the Gothic Revival criticized its backward-looking approach and its often superficial application of Gothic elements to modern needs.

See Also

• Victorian architecture
• List of Gothic Revival architecture
• Horace Walpole
• Augustus Pugin