Gothic and Medieval Revival

Gothic Revival

Gothic Revival started in the mid-18^th Century towards the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign.

Before Gothic Revival, ‘Adams’ style houses were being built by the middle and upper-class. They were classical in style which had dominated architecture and furniture since the 16^th Century. Only churches were the gothic style, especially in Catholic countries. However, by the 19^th Century the skills used to build in the gothic style were dying out.

Gothic style was considered barbaric which was how their name ‘Gothic’ from ‘Goths’ who were considered to have destroyed ancient civilisation. Gothic revival saw the collaboration of old architecture and ideas with new, personal elements added.

Gothic decorations focused on 2D interpretations of natural objects instead of realistic depictions. Gothic Revivalists thought that “a society based on craft was better than a society based on mechanised, but unskilled workers”.

This alter table is from a church in Bollington, Cheshire and is in the style of Gothic Revival, Arts and Crafts movement. This is evident due to the pointed arch in the centre and the floral cut outs. There is also truth to materials as all the joints are visible and the natural wood texture is shown. This alter table is heavily carved oak with a dark varnish.

Medieval Revival

William Morris was inspired by the writings of art critic John Ruskin. Morris wrote an essay on the nature of gothic based on Ruskin’s book, ‘The Stones of Venice’. In this essay he appreciated the gothic architecture of Northern Europe, while critiquing the 19^th Century society. In particular, the introduction of factory production, resulting in individual workers losing skills and destroying natural creativity.

The Medieval Period was full of intricate detail and a wide array of ornament which all showcased the skills that were quickly being lost.

Morris wanted to revive medieval standards and methods of making their art. He also felt that in the Medieval Period there was more truth to materials. In 1861, Morris set up his own company, ‘Morris Marshall Faulkner & Co’ to promote his views.

I think this tapestry conveys the Medieval Revival Art and Crafts Movement due to its strong natural motifs. This art shows vivid colour with a lack of tone and depth. There are simple forms shown and the use of leaves and flowers, as well as the intricate and details pattern showcases the Medieval Revival Style. I think the colours are slightly dull but I like the contrast of cool tones and the centre main flowers in the warm tones.