Gothic architecture James Wyatt

fonthill abbey, built 1795–1807 james wyatt william beckford, author of gothic fantasy novel vathek .

meanwhile, wyatt s reputation rival robert adam had been eclipsed celebrity gothic architect. every georgian architect called upon time time produce designs in medieval style, , wyatt no means first in field. however, whereas predecessors had merely gothicized elevations addition of battlements , pointed windows, wyatt went further , exploited full picturesque qualities of medieval architecture irregular grouping , addition of towers , spires silhouettes. never, indeed, have romantic possibilities of gothic architecture been more strikingly demonstrated wyatt @ fonthill abbey , ashridge; , although crude in scale , unscholarly in detail, these houses among landmarks of gothic revival in england. in lifetime wyatt enjoyed reputation of having revived in country long forgotten beauties of gothic architecture , real importance of gothic work lay in manner in bridged gap between rococo gothic of mid 18th century , serious medievalism of 19th century.

view in gallery, fonthill: coloured print elaborately-produced souvenir album commissioned beckford



the saint michael s hafod, eglwys newydd church

of cathedral restorations, inspired mistaken idea medieval church ought homogeneous in style , unencumbered screens, monuments, , other obtrusive relics of past, can said chapters employed him no more enlightened architect, , @ westminster abbey @ least accomplished urgent work of repair in unexceptionable manner. activities @ salisbury, durham, hereford, , lichfield bitterly criticized john carter in pursuits of architectural innovation, , due in large measure carter s persistent denunciation that, in 1796, wyatt failed secure election fellow of society of antiquaries. in following year, however, permitted add f.s.a. name majority of 1 hundred , twenty-three votes.

wyatt elected royal academy in 1785, , took active part in politics of academy. in 1803 1 of members of council attempted assert independence of general assembly of academicians, , when resultant dissensions led west resign presidency in following year, wyatt elected take place. election never formally approved king, , in following year appears have acquiesced in west s resumption of office. wyatt 1 of founders of architects club in 1791, , presided @ meetings @ thatched house tavern.

in 1802 wyatt built new house 7th earl of bridgewater on ashridge estate in hertfordshire grade listed building. in 1803 thomas johnes hired wyatt design saint michel s hafod church, eglwys newydd, in ceredigion, wales.