1830.] [ 33 ] REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. Exemplars of Tudor Architecture, adapted to modern Habitations: with illustrative Details, selected from ancient Edifices; and Observations on the Furniture of the Tudor Period. By F. F. Hunt, Architect. 4to. pp. 200. Longman, and Co. Of domestic architecture it may be F domestic architecture it may be hitherto eluded public notice; either because their value, as connected with antient arts and manners, had not been duly appreciated by the local historian, or because, as isolated subjects, their committal to the press would have been little likely to have recompensed the labours of the author or the expenses of the publisher. On this account we cannot but own ourselves somewhat disappointed at not finding in the elegant work before us, instead of a compilation, a large mass of original matter, and, instead of a multitude of designs, some two or three score of good old models, whose various merits should have been pointed out in the text; a work which architects might have resorted to as authority. In short, a book of antiquity, as full as Mr. Pugin's, but better selected, and illustrated with remarks and quo tations. and as But we must take Mr. Hunt's work as he has pleased to give it us; a book of designs it meets with our full approbation. Mr. Hunt has profited more by the choice models of antiquity than any other architect with whom we are acquainted. If we were inclined to find fault with him, it would be for keeping too much in one style. There are many good styles of domestic architecture; and when Mr. Hunt says the arch ought to be excluded, he is wrong. The pointed arch is the essence of Domestic, as well as Ecclesiastical architecture; and this, we think, Mr. Hunt will hereafter allow, when he has a little more studied the subject. Section I. is a dissertation on the Domestic Architecture of the sixteenth century; but its peculiar characteristics are not sufficiently pointed out, nor are we always referred to the buildings which the author supposes to furnish the best models for imitation. This is GENT. MAG. January, 1830. very desirable; for the architects of the present day lack not models, but taste in their selection. "Domestic Architecture," says Mr. Hunt, "like painting and sculpture, was greatly improved under the first and second Edwards." (p. 1.) We do not know whether this observation applies to the style of arch, or to the internal comfort of the houses of that period. If to the latter, it is not proved, and cannot be proved; if to the former, the relics of the royal Palace at Westminster afford a contradiction. The architecture of that Palace was exquisitely beautiful; the dimensions of the apartments grand, and its enrichments, whether of sculpture or painting, of almost unequalled beauty and splendour. The style of architec ture (Henry III.) excelled that practised when the Palace was founded, however noble and commanding, and it was incomparably superior to any afterwards established. Mr. Hunt observes (p. 3), "Henry VIII. was a great builder; and with him, and not on the dissolution of the monasteries, began that style of housebuilding which it is the purpose of this volume to illustrate." The King was certainly a patron of architecture, but his munificence was far excelled by that of Cardinal Wolsey, whose buildings are amongst the most valuable models of the age. The style of Henry VIII.'s reign was not altogether new, but only a modification of that of Henry VII. Domestic architecture rose on the ruins of Ecclesiastical architecture, which in the reign of Henry VIII. had reached its lowest and most disordered state. Just so much of the antient style might be applied to the design of a house as suited the fancy of the architect; but he could not safely take the same liberty in the style of a church, nor depart either from the antient plan or general style of ornament, without a departure also from beauty and good taste. "To the reign of Henry VIII." observes Mr. Hunt," we must look for models." Hampton Court and Hen grave Hall are those recommended as 32 Inscription in Beaumaris Church.-Church Repairs. I have not examined Tanner for the dates of the foundation of Friaries (distinguished from other monasteries by having no territorial endowments), but according to my recollection few, or even none, were founded so late as the time of William Lord Clinton, i. e. the 15th century. If any of your correspondents can oblige me with information, viz. concerning the authority of Mr. Hasted, Raynald de Clinton, and the date of the foundation, I shall be glad. Yours, &c. T. D. FOSBRoke. Mr. URBAN, IN Jan. 20. N the chancel of Beaumaris church is a stone which appears to have been erected by an Edward Waterhouse. As it puzzled Mr. Pennant to account for how it came there, or for what purpose it was erected, I request you to lay the inscription before your numerous readers, in the hope that some one will throw light on its object, and on the individuals mentioned in it. Sir Henry Sydney had been Lord Deputy of Ireland, but died in England in 1586. Sir Anthony St. Leger was another. The two others are unknown. MR. URBAN, Bristol, Jan. 12. able church, and to the admirers of The preservers and restorers of sacred architecture certainly have a claim to our warmest gratitude, and I am therefore induced to lay before your readers a short notice of some im [Jan. provements which have taken place in the immediate neighbourhood of this large city; and, among many other instances which might be named, it gives me great pleasure to notice the improved state of the parish churches of Portbury, Tickenham, and Portishead, in the diocese of Bath and Wells. In the two former parishes the inhabitants have received the kind assistance of James Adam Gordon, Esq. of Naish House; and in the latter parish, now coming considerably inte notice, the parishioners have been aided by the very ample and munifi cent benefactions of the Corporation of this City, who have given every sup port to the restorations lately adopted in its beautiful church, and have displayed a most praiseworthy example in their desire to provide accommodation in this and other churches situated on their property, for the benefit of the increasing population more immediately connected with them. The repairs of the church at Portishead have also been considerably assisted by the liberality of the above mentioned James Adam Gordon, Esq. the lord of the manor of that parish, as well as of Portbury, a gentleman of great taste and classical attainments, eminently skilled in the early English architecture, a most generous promoter of every judicious plan for the restoration of the ecclesiastical beauties of the churches with which he is connected, and who, in addition to the other services he has rendered, recently presented to that church a fine-toned organ, built by a first-rate London artist. This church contains also two oak chairs of peculiar beauty, well worthy the attention of the antiquary, formed at the expence of the Rev. John Noble Shipton, B.D. of Baliol Coll. Oxford, who has been many years resident in that parish, and a great benefactor to that church, from the materials of the elegantly carved screen which once separated the church from the chancel, the production of an age long since passed away, but which was taken down and thrown by as lumber upwards of half a century ago. These have lately been presented to the church, no expense having been spared in their formation, and are placed on each side of the altar. The venerable buildings above described are well worthy the inspection of every admirer of ecclesiastical architecture. B. C. 1830.] [ 33 ] REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. Exemplars of Tudor Architecture, adapted to modern Habitations: with illustrative Details, selected from ancient Edifices; and Observations on the Furniture of the Tudor Period. By F. F. Hunt, Architect. 4to. pp. 200. Longman, and Co. F domestic architecture it may be said, that its choice relics have hitherto eluded public notice; either because their value, as connected with antient arts and manners, had not been duly appreciated by the local historian, or because, as isolated subjects, their committal to the press would have been little likely to have recompensed the labours of the author or the expenses of the publisher. On this account we cannot but own ourselves somewhat disappointed at not finding in the elegant work before us, instead of a compilation, a large mass of original matter, and, instead of a multitude of designs, some two or three score of good old models, whose various merits should have been pointed out in the text; a work which architects might have resorted to as authority. In short, a book of antiquity, as full as Mr. Pugin's, but better selected, and illustrated with remarks and quotations. But we must take Mr. Hunt's work as he has pleased to give it us; and as a book of designs it meets with our full approbation. Mr. Hunt has profited more by the choice models of antiquity than any other architect with whom we are acquainted. If we were inclined to find fault with him, it would be for keeping too much in one style. There are many good styles of domestic architecture; and when Mr. Hunt says the arch ought to be excluded, he is wrong. The pointed arch is the essence of Domestic, as well as Ecclesiastical architecture; and this, we think, Mr. Hunt will hereafter allow, when he has a little more studied the subject. Section I. is a dissertation on the Domestic Architecture of the sixteenth century; but its peculiar characteristics are not sufficiently pointed out, nor are we always referred to the buildings which the author supposes to furnish the best models for imitation. This is GENT. MAG. January, 1830. very desirable; for the architects of the present day lack not models, but taste in their selection. "Domestic Architecture," says Mr. Hunt, "like painting and sculpture, was greatly improved under the first and second Edwards." (p. 1.) We do not know whether this observation applies to the style of arch, or to the internal comfort of the houses of that period. If to the latter, it is not proved, and cannot be proved; if to the former, the relics of the royal Palace at Westminster afford a contradiction. The architecture of that Palace was exquisitely beautiful; the dimensions of the apartments grand, and its enrichments, whether of sculpture or painting, of almost unequalled beauty and splendour. The style of architecture (Henry III.) excelled that prac tised when the Palace was founded, however noble and commanding, and it was incomparably superior to any afterwards established. Mr. Hunt observes (p. 3), 66 Henry VIII. was great builder; and with him, and not on the dissolution of the monasteries, began that style of housebuilding which it is the purpose of this volume to illustrate." The King was certainly a patron of architecture, but his munificence was far excelled by that of Cardinal Wolsey, whose buildings are amongst the most valuable models of the age. The style of Henry VIII.'s reign was not altogether new, but only a modification of that of Henry VII. Domestic architecture rose on the ruins of Ecclesiastical architecture, which in the reign of Henry VIII. had reached its lowest and most disordered state. Just so much of the antient style might be applied to the design of a house as suited the fancy of the architect; but he could not safely take the same liberty in the style of a church, nor depart either from the antient plan or general style of ornament, without a departure also from beauty and good 34 REVIEW-Hunt's Exemplars of Tudor Architecture. "reducible to the wants of the present refined age." This may be doubted, even if the present were the original arrangement of these mansions. Many of the state apartments of Hampton Court have been destroyed, and Hengrave has undergone so much alteration, in the total destruction of some rooms, and the enlargement or reduction of others, that its present internal comfort and elegance are totally independent of antiquity. But, after all, there is no antient house which could be recommended for exact imitation (supposing such imitation desirable) in these days. This remark is equally applicable to plan and design; both may be copied in parts, and the style of the latter ought to be preserved throughout, but the whole must be made to suit the economy of the age in which we live. Before we leave Hengrave, it may be remarked, en passant, that Mr. Hunt has drawn largely from Mr. Gage's History, which is indeed a very valuable work. There is no doubt of the use of brick as an essential material in houses of the first magnitude as early as the 15th century, i. e. in the reigns of Hen. VI. and Edw. IV. Eltham Hall is of brick, with an external facing of stone; and the beautiful ruins of the gateway of Nether Hall, Essex, are wholly of the same material, excepting the internal arches which are edged with stone. It was built under Edward IV. whose badges combined, are carved on wood in one angle of the interior. Hurstmonceaux Castle and Eton College were erected in the preceding reign; and it is difficult to believe that these are specimens of the earliest moulded bricks used in England; if so, it would puzzle antiquaries to point out any improvement in that art from the above period to the reign of Hen. VIII. It may be noticed that boldness was not a coinmon characteristic of the antient brick ornaments, the varieties of which, excepting on chimneys, were few in proportion to their number. At East Barsham, in Norfolk, there is a constant repetition of the same devices; the cornices are shallow, but the chimneys and turrets, as in most instances, are extremely beautiful. Cossey Hall, Norfolk, is now building for Lord Stafford, under the direction of Mr.J.C.Buckler. Red and white [Jani brick are used in the construction of The The ground-plan in Section II.' (p. 26.) somewhat resembles that of Eastbury Hall, in Essex. The cloister is an additional feature; its open side partakes more of modernity than of antiquity, but its constituent ornaments are correct and good. The chimney shafts are very handsome, and the gate-house simple and in the true spirit of antiquity. The originals of the grate and curiously embossed dogs in Pl. XV. p. 58, are at Haddon Hall, in the county of Derby. In p. 61 to 65, inclusive, is an interesting list of buildings, distinguished by heraldic ornaments. This species of enrichment was equally beautiful and valuable. It was also very common, and it may be observed, that it was the almost boundless exercise of this liberty of decoration in architectural design that, while it contributed both beauty and variety, produced the continual changes that hastened its decline. "The frets and other fanciful forms which are seen in the fronts of buildings, formed of vitrified bricks, were made for the purpose of employing in a manner the least unsightly, such as were discoloured by burning. In a clamp, or kiln of bricks, a certain number must, from their situation, be more strongly acted upon by the fire than the general mass, and consequently become darkly tinged. With the tact so peculiar to the old artisans, this, like other seeming what in other hands would have been blemdisadvantages, was turned to account; and ishes, were converted by them into embellishments. Instead of allowing the work 1830.] REVIEW.-Hunt's Exemplars of Tudor Architecture, men to use such bricks indiscriminately, and thereby disfigure the walls with spots, they were selected, as being more valuable than the others, and wrought into devices, relieving the plainness of those piers or surfaces which had neither apertures or stone dressings. Many examples of this kind of ornament could be given, but perhaps those in the boundary walls of the antient manorhouse at Bermondsey, referred to by Mr. J. C. Buckler, in his interesting Account of Eltham Palace,' recently published, are the most striking. They consisted of lozenges, with crosses upon their upper points, two keys endorsed, the bows interlaced in bend, a sword interposed between them in bend sinister [Mr. Hunt thus prints the blazonry of the arms of the see of Winchester, correcting in this instance a mistake into which Mr. Buckler had fallen]; the sacred cross, curiously constructed; the cross of St. Andrew; intersected triangles, in allusion to the Holy Trinity; the globe and cross; the merchant's mark; the badge of the borough of Southwark; and the representation of the west front of a church, with a Norman arch under a gable, between two towers whose pointed roofs terminated in crosses. This rude figure was seven feet eight inches long; and Mr. Buckler conjectures that it preserved an imperfect idea of the sacred edifice of Norman architecture which once occupied the site. P. 71. This origin of the patterns formed of glazed bricks, as given above by Mr. Hunt, is very ingenious; if it be correct, there must have been a great proportion of over-burned bricks, as scarcely half the number was used in the patterns. Those which were not were built up just as they came to the hands of the workmen. The selection now-a-days would add to the trouble and expense. The following very judicious observations cannot be too often repeated: "Great attention should be given to the colour of plastered houses. Mr. Uvedale Price, who seems to have deeply considered this subject, observes, in his Essays on the Picturesque, that one of the most charming effects of sunshine is its giving to objects not merely light, but that mellow golden hue so beautiful in itself, and which when diffused, as in a fine evening, over the whole landscape, creates that rich union and harmony, so enchanting in nature and in Claude in any scene, whether real or painted, where such harmony prevails, the least discordancy in colour would disturb the eye; but if we suppose a single object of a glaring white to be introduced, the whole attention, in spite of all our efforts to the contrary, will be drawn to that point; if many such objects be scattered about, the 35 eye will be distracted among them. Again (to consider it in another view), when the sun breaks out in gleams, there is something that delights and surprises, in seeing an object, before only visible, lighted up in splendour, and then gradually sinking into shade; but a whitened object is already lighted up; it remains so when every thing else has retired into obscurity; it still forces itself into notice, still impudently stares you in the face. An object of a sober tint, unexpectedly gilded by the sun, is like a serious countenance lighted up by a smile; a whitened object, like the eternal grin of a fool. I wish however to be understood, that when I speak of whitewash and whitened buildings, I mean that glaring white which is produced by lime alone, or without a sufficient quantity of any lowering ingredient; for there cannot be a greater or more reasonable improvement than that of giving to a fiery brick building the tint of a stone one. Such an improvement, however, should chiefly be confined to fiery brick; for when brick becomes weather stained and mossy, it harmonises with other colours, and has often a richness, mellowness, and variety of tint, infinitely pleasing to the painter's eye; for the cool colour of the greenish moss lowers the fiery quality, while the subdued fire beneath gives a glow of peculiar character which the painter would hardly like to change for any uniform colour, much less for the unmixed whiteness of lime." P. 74. "Halls are mentioned of a very early date, built with a middle and two side aisles like Churches: the original hall at Westminster is said to have been of this form. These observations of former writers, and men whose antiquarian researches entitle their opinions to respect, the author begs to say he notices incidentally, having no authority of his own to adduce. The hall of the Savoy Hospital was cruciform; its length each way was 226 feet, and its width 30 feet." P. 95 note. The Guildhall at York, erected in the 15th century, is a fine building on the former plan. The Hall of the ancient palace at Winchester, at least two centuries older, is another existing example; and that Westminster Hall was originally subdivided by two rows of arches and pillars, there can be no doubt. The triple arches on the exterior, with lozenge-shaped masonry similar to the Chapter House of Wenlock Priory, and of the same Norman character, appeared when the stonework of Richard the Second's age was removed to make way for the present noble façade. Ceiled rooms [not mentioned in Mr. Hunt's book] are of remote an |