Victorian Architecture Its Practical Aspects

by James Stevens Curl

Many buildings erected during the Victorian age had no precedents, such as railway stations, large hotels and factories. New structures had to be planned from first principles and architectural styles were adapted, representing the Victorians' dual concern with aesthetics and practicality. This book is a celebration of the great variety found in Victorian architecture, and aims to examine in detail the main stylistic themes of the age - Gothic Revival, Classical, Romanesque, Italianate and free styles. The author argues that Victorian buildings are very much a product of their own age and cannot be confused with those of earlier periods. The author's previous books include "The Victorian Celebration of Death", "City of London a Practical and Historical Guide", "Victorian its Practical Aspects" and "English an Illustrated Glossary".

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1973

About the author

Born in Ireland, where he received his early education, Professor Emeritus James Stevens Curl has held Chairs in Architectural History at two British Universities. Having graduated in Architecture at Oxford, he went on to study Town Planning, and wrote his Dissertation under the direction of the German architect, Arthur Korn. He later read for his Doctorate at University College London, and has twice been Visiting Fellow at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge. He is a Member of The Royal Irish Academy, a Fellow of the Societies of Antiquaries of London and of Scotland, an Architect Accredited in Building Conservation, a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and a Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects . He worked for a number of years as an architect, with an especial interest in historic buildings and conservation, until he became a full-time academic in 1978, having already published perceptive articles and books which began to establish his reputation for impeccable scholarship, a fine prose-style, and penetrating insights.

Reviews

[Nguyễn Thiên Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contents:
1/ An Introduction
2/ New Materials and New Ideas
3/ Symbols, Cathedrals, and Churches
4/ An Inventive Architect, or Acrobatic Gothic, Freely Treated
5/ New Tecnology and Victorian Traffic Relief
6/ Gin Palaces
7/ Prisons and Hospitals
8/ The Search for Durable Materials and Healthier Cities
9/ A Model Town
10/ Aspects of Housing

I especially like the part about the Strand music hall and its architect - Mr E. Bassett Keeling. Wish it was still exist so i can see its glorious details.