The Georgian Era
Defining The Era
The Georgian era was one of our most stylish architecturally, epitomising elegance with an absence of fuss. Having been preceded by the Baroque Period associated with renowned English architect Sir Christopher Wren, most of our Great British architectural heritage can be attributed to the Georgian Period.
It is generally agreed that the Georgian period officially began in 1714 and had ended by 1830, though the definition of the Georgian era is often extended to include the short reign of William IV, which ended with his death in 1837. During this 116 (or 123) year period, there were actually no less than four King Georges.
Georgian mouldings and other architectural elements where largely influenced by Roman styles, such as alcoves, niches and columns. This was referred to as ‘Neo-classical’ and was strongly advocated for by pivotal architect of the era, Robert Adam. Houses were light and airy with notably high ceilings and typically pastel wall colourings. Large windows were also a feature, contributing to a light and bright architectural flavour which favoured symmetry and perfect proportions, as demonstrated in Georgian cornice and other mouldings.
James Gibbs
A Scot, trained in Rome, Gibbs was one of Britian’s most influential architects. He was influenced by the Baroque architecture of Rome which in turn took in the Palladian elements of ancient Greece and Rome. This was a style heavily based on symmetry, proportion and perspective, reflected in the authentic Georgian mouldings we manufacture at Fullbrooks. Gibbs was most strongly influenced by the work of Wren and counted him amongst some of his early supporters. This Palladian influence continued to grow with master builders 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.
The Regency period
The Regency period ran from 1811 – 1820, punctuating the Georgian period. The Prince Regent’s rule lasted 9 years until he became King George IV in 1820, with little change to his powers. Regency style follows closely on from the preceding Neo-classical style, which indeed continued to be produced throughout the period. Visually more decorative, adding elegance and lightness of touch, Regency followed the rules of mathematical ratios more closely when determining the size and scale of architectural features. Great examples are the long terraces and crescents John Nash’s Regency London.
From 1820 to 1830-37 we are back to the Georgian era (the sub-period of the Regency being defined by the Regency of George IV as Prince of Wales during the illness of his father George III). After this time, Georgian conventions were gradually discarded and replaced by of a number of revival styles that had originated during the period. These included Gothic Revival, which came to compete with the aforementioned Neo-classical architecture in the ‘Battle of the Styles of the early Victorian era.
Our Large Georgian Acanthus ceiling rose. The acanthus represents continued life. It was used on the capitals of Corinthian pillars, and widely used in Georgian chimneypieces and furniture as well as ceiling roses.
The appearance of Georgian mouldings can vary considerably because of the long reign of the Georgian Monarchy. Georgian cornice, for instance, can take in many different influences resulting in diverse styles and finishes, both plain and those with ornate motifs and patterns. Amongst our Georgian moulding products here at Fullbrooks, you’ll find those with egg and dart, urns and dentil features.
Each individual Georgian plaster moulding we manufacture is handmade by our highly-trained master craftsmen, staying true to the authentic designs of the period. Browse are products and contact us for more details and pricing. Skip to: Georgian cornice range
