The Evolving Face of Architecture: How Victorian Styles Stood Out Among Classic Reinforcements

The mid to late 19th century witnessed a remarkable transformation in architecture with the emergence of the Victorian style. However, it wasn't the only architectural style making waves during this era. Several other architectural styles, such as Georgian, Federal, Neoclassical, Romanesque Revival, and Renaissance Revival, were already established and considered classical. Understanding the context in which the Victorian era emerged helps us appreciate why it appeared so new and ornate, contrasting with the more traditional and historic styles that preceded it.

Georgian Architecture: 1714-1830

Characterized by symmetry, proportion, and classic details, Georgian architecture was predominant during the earlier part of the 18th century. This style, which featured brick and stone facades, sash windows, and decorative cornices, would have seemed traditional by the time the Victorian style developed.

Federal Style: 1780-1820

This American variant of Georgian architecture shared similar characteristics but incorporated elements such as elliptical arches and decorative motifs inspired by classical Roman architecture. Prevalent in the United States, buildings from this era would have appeared historic as Victorian styles took hold.

Neoclassical Architecture: 1750-1850

Neoclassical architecture drew heavily from ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing grandeur and symmetry. This style included monumental buildings with columns and pediments and was often used for government and civic structures. Structures from this period would have been viewed as classic by the Victorians.

Romanesque Revival: Mid-19th Century

Although this style was contemporaneous with the Victorian era, it evoked nostalgia for earlier architectural traditions. Earlier Romanesque churches and buildings, characterized by rounded arches and heavy stonework, were considered classic. The revival of these elements in the Victorian period would have evoked nostalgia for earlier architectural traditions.

Renaissance Revival: Mid-19th Century

Similar to the Romanesque Revival, this style drew on earlier Renaissance architecture, featuring classical details and proportions. Earlier Renaissance buildings would have been viewed as classic by the Victorians, setting a precedent for what was considered classical architecture.

Conceptualizing 'Old' vs. 'Classic' in Architecture

The concept of what constitutes 'old' versus 'classic' in architecture is often a subjective and evolving one. Movements and 'isms' such as Cubism and Expressionism are typically reactions to the mainstream movements that preceded them and challenge their ideas. For instance, Deconstructivists like Zaha Hadid might view the Postmodern movement as 'old' but not 'classic,' while Postmodern architects might see the Modern and International styles as 'old' and not 'classic.'

The Victorian Style’s Evolution

The Victorian era, with its ornate and decorative elements, emerged as a stark contrast to earlier styles. Architectural practitioners from different movements often viewed 'styles' as 'old' but not 'classic.' For example, for Zaha Hadid, the San Cataldo cemetery by Aldo Rossi was considered 'old' but not 'classic.' Similarly, Robert Venturi and others regarded High Tech and International Movements as 'old' rather than 'classic.'

Gothic Revival and Neoclassical Reinforcements

The mid-19th century saw a revival of Gothic architecture, which had long been dismissed due to its complex structures. Under the influence of Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, Gothic began to gain traction, inspired by the spectacular structures of cathedrals. The Gothic style heavily influenced the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who, even before the Arts and Crafts movement, looked to Gothic architecture as a source of inspiration. This Gothic influence contributed to the perception of Gothic architecture as 'classic.'

Simultaneously, a very revised neoclassicism, as demonstrated by the Royal Albert Hall, further reinforced the blend of classical and new. Victorian-era architects focused on hipersymmetry, which stood in stark contrast to the earlier Georgian and Regency styles.

Conclusions

To become 'classic,' a style often needs to undergo a period of 'oldness' and 'forgetfulness' before being rediscovered. For example, abstract postmodernism is now being celebrated as 'classic' due to its influence and revival. As such, the Victorian style, with its ornate and decorative elements, emerged as a bold contrast to the more traditional and historic styles of its time.