Gothic Style
The style we know as Gothic, one characterised by tall spires, vaulted roofs, pointed arches, trefoil windows and flying buttresses first appeared in France in the 12th century. It was known as French style or architecture and was almost exclusively used in ecclesiastical buildings. The term “gothic” was used as an insult by those inspired by the renaissance and the renewed interest in classical styles that spread across Europe from 15th century Italy. To be Gothic was to be unrefined and barbaric.
The term would be revitalised by the 19th century Victorians who used the style extensively for public buildings and monuments as well as churches. Pugin, Scott and Barry designed some of the most distinctive buildings from that era with the Houses of Parliament, The Albert Memorial and St Pancras Station among the most well known. Interior design embraced the same motifs that were used externally. Much use was made of open tracery, trefoil and quadrafoil patterns, columns and arches. Nothing was left untouched; finials, door handles, escutcheons, sconces, anything that could be designed and fabricated was given the gothic touch.
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[…] on medieval ecclesiastical architecture and many public and private buildings were given the Gothic treatment. Interiors featured extensive panelling and ornamentation, reflecting the exterior […]