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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000002431223 | NA997.P395 T93 1992 f | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
For a period of thirty years in the mid-nineteenth century James Pennethorne was more intimately involved with the planning and building of London than any other major architect. A pupil of John Nash, he took over his teacher's practice and became government architect for the first half of Victoria's reign. He was responsible for the planning of new streets, the laying out of parks, and the design of important public buildings such as the Public Record Office, the west wing of Somerset House, and the Duchy of Cornwall office. It is therefore almost impossible for Londoners to avoid coming into contact with some aspect of his work. This study throws fresh light on some of the main architectural issues and controversies of the time. Even more important, it contributes to an understanding of the complicated relationship between government and architects, and of the forces which created the London of the nineteenth century and of today. The book therefore makes a contribution to the history of urban planning, and to urban and architectural history in general, in addition to offering an important new assessment of Pennethorne himself.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
This is one of the first titles of the "Cambridge Studies in the History of Architecture," a new series designed primarily for professional architectural historians. One might suppose that only professionals will be interested in Sir James Pennethorne (1801-71), an architect in the classical tradition who took over the practice of John Nash in 1834 but who never rivaled the accomplishments of his far more illustrious mentor. However, as the architect for the government and the crown during most of his 40-year career, Pennethorne played an important role in the making of Victorian London, a city that was experiencing enormous growth. In addition to designing and altering buildings, he planned streets and parks, and so should also be of interest to those concerned with urban development, with the function of government in such development, and with the history of London. The book, therefore, will attract readers other than architectural historians, and Tyack (Oxford) has written it so that it will be accessible to all. A beautiful book, splendidly illustrated. M. Bright; Eastern Kentucky University
Table of Contents
| List of illustrations |
| Preface |
| Acknowledgements |
| List of abbreviations |
| 1 The legacy of Nash |
| 2 Metropolitan improvements |
| 3 Parks for the people |
| 4 Architecture and politics |
| 5 Public offices |
| 6 Museums |
| 7 Buildings for the Royal Family |
| 8 The rebuilding of Whitehall |
| 9 The final years |
| 10 Epilogue |
| Appendices |
| Bibliography |
| Index |
