English architecture in country houses. Gregorian style in architecture

Note 1

One of the main styles of architecture of the 18th century, occupying a leading position in English-speaking countries, was the Georgian style.

The 18th century in England was marked by industrial progress; the speedy construction of functional structures was urgently needed. There was no time to decorate the buildings, and there was no need. As a result of the above, and also after an unsuccessful attempt to introduce the Baroque style, famous for its pomp and grandeur, into English architecture, the Georgian style was born.

Figure 1. Example of a Georgian house. Author24 - online exchange of student work

The main direction of the Georgian style was “Palladinism” - traces of the influence of Roman and Greek architectural traditions. Initially, the idea belonged to the Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), which was characterized by perspective, symmetry, and classical temple forms Ancient Greece and Rome.

Characteristic features of the Georgian style:

symmetry. Present as in individual elements, and in the architectural ensemble;
very modest decor, or its complete absence. The direction was dictated by the peculiarities of the time;
brickwork. A feature common to all English mansions;
the accent of the entire building is the bright colors of the window and doorways, as well as decoration with carvings or porticoes;
pitched roofs, the presence of gables;
right angles, strict geometry of the building.

Georgian town houses

The Georgian era deserves special admiration. From modest row houses to huge mansions, everything has a sense of integrity. Carefully thought out ensembles of city houses were located around squares. The buildings of the architect Inigo Jones became the first projects of commercial housing, which were subsequently sold or rented. The so-called apartment buildings were built on four to five floors, with facades facing big streets or on the square.

On ground floor Laundries and kitchens were usually located. The first floor was given over to the dining room and state rooms. Receptions were held in the ballrooms on the second floor, the third floor was intended for large bedrooms, and the children's bedrooms were on the fourth floor. The fifth floor was given over to rooms for the servants living in the house. One of the features of apartment buildings is the presence of rear staircases, allowing servants to move around all floors without passing the main rooms.

Houses for the middle class were built on smaller streets. Very small houses located in narrow streets were intended for artisans, servants and laborers. There were also stables and carriage houses there.

Note 2

All houses built in the Georgian style were characterized by elegance, they differed only in decoration and style, which depended on social status residents. This architectural style is still exemplary today.

Other Georgian buildings

It was during this era that clubs for gentlemen appeared, where the latter could meet in a relaxed atmosphere for conversations and just relaxation. In addition, shops could be located on the ground floors of houses that belonged to a specific owner: the halls with shelves and goods for sale were covered with huge windows with beautiful signs. The owner of the house lived in the same house, above the store.

The theater was presented as indoors, in which balconies were built for spectators.

Georgian representatives:

Inigo Jones,
Colin Campbell
Richard Bayle
Lord Burlington,
William Kent
Thomas Archer
Giacomo Leoni,
John Soane
John Nash
John Wood Sr.
William Williams
Robert Smyrk
Robert and James Adam.

Lord Burlington, aka Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington, 4th Earl of Cork (“architect earl”) (1694-1753) - English aristocrat and philanthropist, a prominent follower and representative of Palladianism. His villa in Chiswick and the Egyptian Assembly Hall in York are the first Palladinian buildings to be built according to the earl's designs. The London mansion of the “count-architect” Burlington House in Piccadilly subsequently housed the residences of British scientific societies and the Royal Academy of Arts. The work of the Earl of Burlington formed the basis for the formation of classicist architecture.

Figure 2. Georgian country house. Author24 - online exchange of student work

William Kent(1684-1748) - English gardener and architect who worked closely with the English landscape architect Lancelot Brown and the Earl of Burlington. In his creative work he was engaged in the planning of gardens, buildings, and furniture. At the end creative path and life rebuilt one of the streets in central London - Whitehall. He tried to combine separate forms into one, art styles and natural landscapes.

John Soane(1753 -1837) – representative of classicism, English architect. Purity of lines, simplicity of shapes, proportions, detail, literacy in the use of light - distinctive features creativity. The most famous work- Bank of England building in the City. Having become a famous architect thanks to the reconstruction of the bank, Soane designed and rebuilt country houses for the landed gentry. He restored Oxford and Cambridge, and was involved in the construction of an art gallery in Dulwich.

Robert and James Adam(1728-1792) - a tandem of minds between two brothers, where Robert created projects, and Adam successfully implemented them. Design, interior design, construction - all stages were completed successfully. Each creation is made in a unique style characteristic of them. Rococo elements in the paladin style made the brothers famous not only in England, but also in America. A lot of projects were devoted to the reconstruction of existing buildings, but they remained on paper.

Some London mansion designs, such as Lord Derby's house in Grosvenor Square and Portman Square, are designed to complex layout located in a small space. For contemporaries, the brothers were considered masters who skillfully embodied their ideas about the simultaneous combination of functionality and comfort, which was distinctive feature English architecture of that time.

Note 3

Georgian style became solid foundation for the Federal and Federalist architectural styles of America and Europe, which was replaced by the Regency era and the Regency style.

Georgian style is a style of architecture that originated in the 17th century and became widespread in the 18th century in Great Britain and other English-speaking countries. Projects of houses in the Georgian style are developed using techniques of traditional English architecture:

Symmetry;
Laconic finishing of facades;
The use of brick and stone as the main building materials;
Pitched roof structure with gables above the entrances;
Large and richly decorated windows and front door.

The Georgian style is used not only in architecture, but also in interior design. In interior design it combines several trends: Gothic, Rococo and even features of French and Chinese styles. The main features are the division of the wall area into three parts in height, each of which is designed in its own way. And also the predominance of light green, light brown, gray colors finishing materials.

Examples of finished projects

The striking features of the Georgian style are demonstrated by project No. 12-16. The symmetry of the building is combined with a pronounced emphasis on the front door and windows. A separate canopy imitating a pediment was built over the entrance. Applicable exterior decoration made of facing bricks and natural bitumen shingles.

Project No. 57-89K also shows characteristic features of the style. Two identical symmetrically located roofing elements above the attic windows resemble a pediment. The large area of windows, combined with brick-like clinker tiles, give the building a traditional British look to the façade.

Traditional features of the Gregorian style are also evident in the townhouse project No. 33-03. These include:

several symmetrical roof elements located on each slope of the house;
parts made in the form of pediments attic floor located above two separate entrances to the townhouse;
beautiful design windows and entrances to the building, a multi-level porch leads to the door;
external finishing with decorative stone.

The Georgian style is a fusion of several foreign styles. Their competent combination contributed to the creation of classic English design. The best was chosen from each style: the severity, symmetry and straight lines of Palladian style, the French freedom of lines and refined sophistication made the restrained classical style more spiritual. Also, the formation of the Georgian style was influenced by Chinese borrowings and the Gothic revival.

The Georgian era spans approximately one hundred years and begins in 1714 during the reign of King George I. This period had a tremendous influence on home decoration and is undoubtedly the basis of the now so popular English style.

Historical styles in the interior: Georgian decor

Thanks to outstanding architects of the time, such as William Kent and Robert Adam, classical plinths, pilasters and plinths became popular. The improvement of glassmaking and the use of hard wood contributed to the fact that instead of “heavy” decorations, lighter and more elegant ones appeared. When decorating premises in the Georgian style, they were guided primarily by considerations of practicality. Special attention was paid to fireplaces and windows to ensure maximum warmth and daylight. The most important detail of the Georgian interior were mirrors, which could reflect daylight and the glow of candles in the evening. The fireplaces were decorated with exquisite marble, the windows were decorated with beautiful shutters and curtains on wooden cornices, and the mirrors were framed with carved gilded frames. The walls were covered with panels, double doors they were decorated with panels, and the ceilings were decorated with stucco.

The Georgian era can be called the golden age of architecture, decoration and furniture. Elements of the Georgian style have survived several centuries and have become very popular today.

Historical styles in the interior: the return of the Georgian era

The Georgian style can be replicated today by following the tips below. This historical style It looks great in the interiors of spacious living rooms; it is also suitable for halls and bedrooms.

The walls in the Georgian interior were one of the most important elements, so special attention was paid to their finishing. Typically, the wall space was divided into three sections. One of them - the basement (paneling) usually included a rail, plinth panel and baseboard. The second section was the middle of the wall, and the third consisted of a frieze and cornice. At first, the panels were made of oak and then polished with wax. Later, softer woods began to be painted in dull colors and painted to resemble expensive wood. It was fashionable to hang tapestries and expensive fabrics on the walls: silk and woolen damask. They were attached above the base on wooden slats, and a gilded mesh was attached at the top. Expensive wallpaper was also highly valued; it was first hung on canvas and then on the wall. This allowed the owners to take the wallpaper with them if they sold their own home.

First you need to divide the walls into three sections. To do this, you can use molded moldings and cornices made of foamed vinyl or polyurethane. Should not be used glossy paints, since matte shades are the most suitable. The panels can be painted to look like wood. It is assumed that cornices can be either complex or simple. You can choose not so expensive cornices, friezes made of polystyrene or polyurethane.

Wallpaper in the Georgian era was very expensive, but now it is copied exactly, but sold at reasonable prices. To decorate a room in Georgian style, you can stick a border of gilded tape around its perimeter. Wall patterns were popular during this period, so you can create your own wall pattern using prints, ribbons, borders and fabrics.

A typical Georgian style floor is waxed wooden boards or parquet. To create warmth and comfort, the floors were covered with oriental or good English carpets. In the kitchen, hall and bathroom, the use of marble or terracotta tiles was considered more appropriate. Marble or stone flooring can be expensive, so to save money, you can install vinyl or linoleum with a geometric pattern that imitates marble. A good option The kitchen floor will be laid with ceramic tiles in a checkerboard pattern.

The upholstered furniture in the interior formed a harmonious ensemble; all items were combined with each other in style and upholstery material. The most popular fabrics were silk, damask, velvet, brocade, tapestry and furniture chintz. Oriental themes influenced fabric designs, and French imitation of Indian fabric also helped reproduce scenes from Chinese life. Embroidered fabrics were no less popular and were successfully used in Georgian-style interiors.

Try not to clutter the room with furniture. Loose covers on armchairs and chairs made of teak would be appropriate. You can put a chair with a wicker seat, to which a small pillow will be tied, but remember that bow ties are also necessary.

You can accurately replicate the decor of the Georgian period by arranging furniture along the walls, pushing it into the middle of the room only when absolutely necessary.

In addition to the fire in the fireplace, the main source of light was candles displayed in candlesticks, candelabra and sconces. The Rococo style was used to decorate the candelabra, and the classic design. Integral accessories were paintings and mirrors in gilded frames, fans and Chinese porcelain dishes. Paintings were most often hung on bows made of beautiful fabric. Silver items were also especially popular. All objects were arranged symmetrically.

Curtains on the windows - roller or scalloped - will correspond to the Georgian style, especially if they are mounted on a gilded wooden cornice. A wonderful addition to the interior will be lamps in the form of candles, sconces and candelabra. Mirrors with gilded frames will also fit easily, as they are typical decoration of the Georgian period. They can be hung throughout the room, especially above the fireplace.

The style can be emphasized by plaster decorative panels oval or round in shape, located symmetrically throughout the room. Gold plating can be used in abundance.

The Georgian style can still be reproduced today. It suits all lovers of sophistication and nobility.

Many people consider the Georgian era to represent what we want to see not only in the interior of the house, but also in his appearance. This period had a great influence on decorating our homes and is the basis of what is so popular these days traditional style English home . It is impossible to resist for long the combination of magnificent proportions, symmetry and harmony.

Georgian period spans approximately one hundred years, beginning with the accession of King George I in 1714. This style is a combination of several highly similar friends on each other of foreign styles, the fusion of which gave the highest achievement English design. This style was in turn exported and influenced the style in the English colonies in North America.

At the beginning of this period, the Rococo style was in vogue in Europe. Bizarre, mannered, curved, asymmetrical lines depicted scrolls, shells, garlands and flowers - everything that could be depicted using a curved line. This style had its fans, especially with French court, a trendsetter in Europe.

But in England completely different forces were at work. Every gentleman from a noble family had to undertake a “great journey” to become acquainted with the world's cultural values. Italy was a must stop. The traveler absorbed the ideas of continental Europe and simply had to demonstrate them upon returning home. The Duke of Burlington, who was an architect, made such a journey and became influenced by the works of the Italian Andrea Palladio. Returning to England, the Duke did a lot to popularize classicism in architecture.

The collision of two such different styles could have led to a terrible compromise, but the result exceeded all expectations because the best was taken from each style. Straight lines, symmetry and severity of Palladio restrained the riot of Rococo lines, and French sophistication and freedom of lines made the restrained style more spiritual. classic style. The formation of the style was also influenced by Chinese borrowings from Gothic. Each era turns to the past, and Georgian style was no exception. The supply of furniture from the East increased, and the oriental style took its place in an English interior.

Thanks to outstanding architects of the time, such as Robert Adam and William Kent, the architectural details of the facade were “registered” in the interior, classic plinths, baseboards and pilasters have become common decor.

Trade with other countries and increased prosperity led to the fact that people's demands increased. They wanted a more sophisticated lifestyle. Basic amenities have appeared - running water cold water at the ground floor level and the simplest toilets, improved heating and lighting in rich houses. This was not the case in the simpler sections of society, and this can be used now in planning Georgian style interior. It is not necessary to inherit a huge country mansion along with a substantial sum of money to reproduce the Georgian style. All you need is pleasantly proportioned rooms and a knowledge of the materials and objects used in middle-class homes at the time. Modern natural flooring(like jute) over a tiled floor will fit the style just as well as an Aubusson rug over an antique wood floor.

As has happened at all times, fashion changes in interior design influenced by the emergence of new materials and the development of crafts. Using wood hardwoods (in particular mahogany) and the improvement of glassmaking led to the fact that “heavy” jewelry gave way to more elegant ones

When decorating the rooms, we were guided primarily by considerations of practicality. Special attention to fireplaces and windows was determined by the need to retain heat and provide maximum daylight. An important detail the interior became mirrors, reflecting and enhancing both daylight, and the evening glow of candles.

Practicality interior elements did not mean that they should have utilitarian appearance. The fireplaces were decorated with exquisite marble, the windows with beautiful shutters or curtains on carved wooden cornices, and mirrors were inserted into carved gilded frames. Doors- often double - trimmed with panels, the ceilings were decorated with stucco, the walls were covered wood panels . It was a golden age not only of architecture and decor, but also of furniture, the production of which was at its best. The designs of Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton became legendary and their work is still copied today. Having said all this, it becomes clear why elements of the Georgian style have survived the centuries and are more popular today than ever.

Flashy but surprisingly appropriate yellow used to paint the walls of this Georgian dining room.

MATERIALS

WALLS

The walls were a very important part of the Georgian interior, so much attention was paid to their decoration. By classic scheme the wall space was divided into three sections. The first section is the base ( wood paneling) - included a plinth, a plinth panel and a rail, which was located approximately at a height of 75 cm. The second section is the actual “field” of the wall, that is, its middle. The last, third, section consisted of a frieze and cornice. At first, the panels were most likely made of oak and polished with ordinary wax. Later, when the use of softer woods began, the panels were painted in rather dull colors or painted to resemble more expensive wood. It was fashionable to hang tapestries and expensive fabrics on the walls. The walls were often covered with fabric, but not in dining rooms, where the fabric could absorb food odors. Materials such as silk or wool damask were attached to the wall above the plinth on wooden slats, with gilded mesh attached on top. Expensive wallpaper (including pile wallpaper and with oriental patterns) was produced in panels. Not in rolls. They were valued very highly, and most often they were first attached to canvas and then hung on the wall. This allowed the owners to take the wallpaper with them if they sold the house.

FLOOR

Plain planks of wood or parquet, waxed, are typical Georgian flooring. For comfort, the floors were covered with high-quality oriental or English carpets. Alternatively, painted and varnished flooring can be used in the scheme. In the hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, it was considered more appropriate to use marble or terracotta tiles.

SITUATION

All cushioned furniture the room was an ensemble, since all the items were combined in style and upholstery material. Popular fabrics included velvet, brocade, damask, silk, furniture chintz and tapestry. Oriental themes influenced fabric designs, and toile de Jouy, a French imitation of Indian fabrics, helped reproduce scenes of Chinese life. Embroidered fabrics were also very popular.

LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES

The main source of light, besides the fire in the fireplace, was candles. They were placed in candlesticks, candelabra, sconces and lanterns made of wood, glass, copper or silver. Used to decorate candlesticks classic design, for candelabra - Rococo style. Mandatory accessories were mirrors and paintings in gilded frames, lacquered screens, Chinese porcelain dishes and fans. Paintings were often hung on fabric bows. Sometimes the pattern was applied directly to the wall. Silver items were also popular. All objects were usually arranged symmetrically.

In this north London house, the pattern and coloring of the paneling on the door and walls is typical of Georgian style.

SIGNS OF STYLE

The Georgian style can be reproduced in a home of any era, as it has become the basis traditional style country house . The maximum decor is characteristic of the early Georgian style, and the classical style in pure form- for the late Georgian style. This style looks great in large living rooms (salons) and is suitable for halls and bedrooms.

Following the Georgian style, the walls of the room should be divided into three horizontal sections. Use inexpensive polyurethane and foam vinyl moldings and cornices. If you're not sure exactly how to divide the walls, make a sketch on graph paper. Because suitable paints easy to find on sale, you will not have problems with finishing. Do not use glossy paints. The panels can be painted to resemble wood.

Cornices can be either simple or very complex. Scalloped or “ovals and lines” cornices are suitable. Choose inexpensive cornices, friezes made of polyurethane or polystyrene.

Many Georgian wallpapers (very expensive in their day) are now faithfully copied and sold at reasonable prices. To make your room look even more Georgian, add a border of gilded tape around the perimeter.

Patterns on walls were very popular during this period. Create your own pattern using skirtings, borders, strips and fabrics glued directly to the wall.

Stone or marble flooring can be very expensive. Lay vinyl or linoleum with a geometric marble pattern on the floor. You can lay out the floor in the kitchen ceramic tiles in a checkerboard pattern.

You can buy furniture from this period without any problems, but it will be expensive. True, there are many copies - modern and Victorian - and their price is much lower. Don't try to put a lot of furniture in the room. Georgian interior furniture stood freer than in our days.

In a Georgian interior, loose covers on chairs and armchairs, made, for example, from teak, are appropriate.

Add to the interior modern armchair with a headrest (the style has changed little), upholstered in damask to make your Georgian room comfortable to sit on. Place a chair with a wicker seat, to which a small pillow is tied (bow ties are required).

By placing furniture along the walls and moving it into the middle of the room only when necessary, you will accurately replicate the typical decor of the Georgian period.

Curtains on the windows - scalloped or rolled - will match the style, especially if they are mounted on a carved and gilded wooden cornice. A lambrequin with a sag and a tail with or without curtains will be made for you by an experienced curtain specialist. More modest muslin curtains, gathered on one side, can be made independently.

Although electricity in the home only became widespread in the twentieth century, you can stay true to the Georgian style by choosing candle-like lamps. Sconces and candelabra will do. Candlesticks from that time can be used as accessories.

Mirrors will easily fit into the interior. This is a typical decoration of that period. It is advisable to purchase mirrors in gold plated carved frames(V classic style or Rococo style) and hang them throughout the room, especially above the fireplace. A very high mirror in the wall between two windows is another hint of the Georgian style.

Plaster decorative panels in the Adam style - oval or round - symmetrically located throughout the room or along the corridor will help emphasize the style.

Hang the silhouettes in their typical black frames symmetrically on the walls.

COLOR SPECTRUM

At the beginning of the eighteenth century, there was no technology for producing paints, and most colors had a natural earthy tint, so they deserved the epithet “dull”. Colors such as pea green, grey, beige or white with a greyish or yellowish tint were common, as were light brown, dusty pink and grey-green. Panels painted in dark colors or wood, imitating the pattern of more expensive wood. Paints were lead-based and were used both inside the house (for decoration) and outside (for protection). Nowadays all paints cost approximately the same, but in the era of George I more bright shade could cost four times more than a dull one, which is why it was used extremely sparingly. Gradually they began to use more bright colors– bright yellow, sky blue and pink. In large and magnificent halls, gilding was used in abundance.

The frieze and fireplace in this Scottish living room shows classic Georgian influences.

The Georgian era of the 18th century in England certainly left its mark on architecture.

It is believed that the prerequisites for the emergence of this rather modest style by architectural standards were a not very successful attempt to introduce elements of the Baroque style into English architecture, as well as a general satiety from the facades of mansions full of decor. In addition, the 18th century was a time of industrial revitalization of the country, when urgent construction of functional buildings was required, and there was simply no time to decorate them. The city's Georgian architecture was created quickly, and the houses still stand strong to this day.

The Georgian style in architecture refers us to the Greek and Roman architectural traditions - the so-called "Palladianism" can be clearly seen in the design of the buildings. Minimal decor, clear geometric lines - classic features mainland architecture was fully manifested in the Georgian direction.

Features of the Georgian architectural style include the following features:

desire for symmetry. Georgian houses are characterized by symmetry in general and in particular elements;
almost complete lack of decor, modest decor. As we mentioned above, the peculiarities of the time dictated their own rules - decorations were not profitable both functionally and in terms of aesthetics;
all English Georgian mansions were built exclusively from brick, therefore brickwork can be safely considered a feature of the style;
entrance doors and window openings were always painted in bright colors. In fact, they were the accent of the entire house; they could be decorated with carvings, semi-columns, and a portico;
in no Georgian mansion will you see a flat roofs- only pitched and often with gables;
the primacy of right angles, the geometric nature of buildings.

The Georgian style is ideal for those who like convenience and orderliness, a minimum of decor and neat forms. Classic yet stately, this style commands attention with its solidity and understated elegance.

During the dominance of the Georgian style, the appearance of London, so familiar to modern tourists, was formed - the modest and pleasing to the eye style of the English crown of the 18th century. The urban planning activities that took place so widely at the end of the 18th century affected not only London. Georgian-style buildings appeared at that time in Dublin, Edinburgh, and also in the resort town of Bath.

Pickford House Museum

Pickford House Museum is considered a classic example of a Georgian building. Its founder, Joseph Pickford, built the house in 1760 in the English city of Derby. He initially lived here with his family, and later began leading tours for rich people and showing his architectural work. Now the building houses a museum of history and costume, which is open to organized tourist groups.

The Georgian style provided a solid basis for the development of such styles of architecture as the Federal and Federalist styles in Europe and America. It was replaced by the Regency style and the Regency era.