Victorian architecture is a style of design that was born out of the English Renaissance period, and created by designer and builder Sir Charles Barry. He was born into a family of surveyors, estate agents and builders, and thus had a deep understanding of the art, materials and construction required for successful architectural projects. Barry was heavily influenced by the Gothic styles of the Middle Ages, and his design principles combined the best of both Renaissance and Gothic styles. The now iconic Victorian homes, factories, shops and warehouses bear his legacy.
Early Life
Sir Charles Barry, who was born in 1795 in London, grew up in an artistic family. As a result, he was exposed to many cultural influences, including the neo-gothic styles of architecture that were popular at the time. He studied at the Royal Academy, where he was influenced by the ideas of both classic and Renaisance-style architecture. He became an attending member of the Academy in 1817 and a full member in 1821. His early works were designed in an Italian-style Neo-Renaissance.
The Big Break
Sir Charles’ favourite project was the Houses of Parliament and it was this venture that catapulted him to fame and fortune. After winning the competition to design a new building for the Parliament in 1835, his successful influence extended quickly to the domestic realm. He started to design numerous private homes and other buildings in a distinctive style that combined both classical and Gothic motifs.
Approach
Sir Charles’ approach was methodical; he created detailed plans for each element of a building, from the foundation to the walls, ceilings, and roofs. He was also passionate about colour and texture, using a variety of materials and techniques to create stunning effects. He experimented with texture and pattern to make walls, roofs and other elements more interesting and decorative.
Legacy
Sir Charles Barry’s designs are still found throughout Britain and around the world. His design principles of combining elements of both classic and Gothic styles were hugely influential and are still used today. His success was further enhanced by the publication of his book, The Stones of Venice, which detailed his theories of architecture and design. Today, the legacy of Sir Charles Barry survives through the many architectural monuments and buildings he left behind, which still inspire and awe.
Materials
In order to create his signature look, Sir Charles Barry used a variety of materials in his designs. He often used red bricks, as many of his buildings featured classic red-brick facades. He also favored marble, used for everything from intricate columns to simple window frames. He was willing to use a variety of textures, from the popular Victorian terracotta to the bold, ironwork railings. He used iron for the structures of many of his buildings, as iron was a particularly popular material of the time.
Ornamentation
Ornamentation was a very important part of Victorian architecture and Sir Charles Barry was no exception. He used intricate masonry ornamentation, including plenty of carvings, while also creating marble friezes on the walls of his buildings. He also added in stained-glass windows and colorful mosaics to make his buildings even more awe-inspiring.
Innovations
Sir Charles Barry made many innovations in Victorian architecture. One of the most notable is the introduction of the ‘free plan layout’, which allowed for the open plan layout of modern buildings. He was also the first to use skylights, which offered more natural light to interior spaces and was considered a huge innovation of the time. He was also a champion of new materials, such as iron and stainless steel, which he used for structures like staircases, railings and other features.
Impact of Major Projects
Sir Charles Barry’s major projects have gone on to have a huge impact on architecture, both in terms of design elements and in terms of new building materials and techniques. His Houses of Parliament in London was one of the most influential buildings of all time, setting the benchmark for neoclassical architecture and also inspiring a more modern approach to design. He also set the trend for using a variety of decorative materials and motifs in a building, such as ornate masonry work, brightly-colored tiles, stained glass and intricate ironwork.
Development of Neo-Gothic Styles
Sir Charles Barry’s legacy has also been felt in the development of Neo-Gothic architecture. His interpretations of classic styles, such as his use of pointed arches and turrets, have become an important part of the Neo-Gothic design style. He was also a key innovator in the field of industrial architecture, designing factories and warehouses that celebrated the industrial age. His designs for warehouses in particular have influenced a whole genre of industrial and commercial architecture.
Influence on Modern Design
Sir Charles Barry’s influence and legacy is still seen in architecture today, with many buildings resembling his iconic styles. The use of materials such as brick and stone and modern techniques such as skylights are all part of his lasting influence. He influenced a generation of architects, who continue to draw upon his principles in their design. His focus on texture, colour and decoration has also been a key influence on modern-day design aesthetic.
Timeless Appeal of His Designs
Sir Charles Barry’s designs remain popular to this day. While the popularity of Neo-Gothic styles may have waned over the years, his influence can still be seen in buildings across the world. His influence on the industrial age resulted in a glut of factories, warehouses, and infrastructure projects being built in a grand, Victorian style. Even today, these buildings remain popular, with many examples of his work still standing in cities and towns around the globe.
