A Brief History Of Architectual Periods
Georgian
Most of our architectural heritage is attributed to the Georgian Period. This was a long and varied period from 1714 – 1830. Having been preceded by the English Baroque Period of Christopher Wren.
Georgian Architectural style went through a number of transitions. James Gibbs was one of the first, although still influenced by the Baroque architecture of Rome the style incorporated Palladian elements of ancient Greece and Rome. This was a style strongly based on symmetry, proportion and perspective, which is reflected in the Georgian mouldings we create here at Fullbrooks.
The Palladian influence continued to grow with architects such as Colen Campbell and became known as Neoclassical Architecture in 1750 when a range of Neoclassical modes became fashionable which follow Classical Greek and Roman Vitruvian principles. This style is associated with British architect Robert Adam. Robert Adam was one of the most successful and fashionable architects in the country and developed the “Adam Style” of architecture we know today.
Regency
The Georgian period was punctuated with the Regency Period; this is from 1811 – 1820. The Prince Regent was to rule for 9 years in place of his Father until he himself became King George IV in 1820. The Regency style was more decorative adding elegance and lightness of touch.
This Style followed more closely the rules of simple mathematical ratios to determine size and scale of architectural features. John Nash was responsible for much of Regency London, great long terraces or crescents such as Regent Street or Regent Park.
The Royal Pavilion and Buckingham Place can be attributed to him also.
From 1820 – 1830 we are back to the Georgian era, although we would also refer to this period as Regency and include 1830 – 1837 even though in reality this was William and Mary.
Victorian
The Victorian Period lasted from 1837 – 1901 this was a long and prosperous era and that of the British Empire. Architectural style were very eclectic and the Victorians were very big on revival, they revived everything from Medieval Gothic to early Elizabethan and Jacobean styles know as “Jacobethan”, to Renaissance, Neo-Grec or Greek revival, Romanesque, Neo Classical with Egyptian or Oriental themes, Second Empire or Neo Baroque to Queen Anne and the start of the Arts and Craft movement. St Pancras Station is a good example of the mix of styles.
You can see that when choosing period features, cornices or designs from this era you can pretty much choose what ever you like.
Edwardian
This period is from 1901 -1910, architecturally was very similar to late Victorian Neo Baroque but much cleaner lines more simple, less ornament. The War Office in Whitehall will give you a good idea of the architecture of the era.
There are no hard and fast rules to choosing period cornices, architectural features or themes, older houses usually show signs of stylistic evolution over the years, the occupiers preference is greater than sticking rigidly to historic style. Although try not to choose something that is earlier than the period of the property.
To browse all of Regency and Georgian mouldings, use the top navigation menu. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, please give us a call – we provide a bespoke mouldings service and can work from sketches, architectural drawings or from any general ideas you may have.