Britain/India: Neo-Gothic Architecture

Having seen the Gothic (or neo-Gothic) style in both Britain and India, several interesting issues arise. We know thus far that the Gothic style embodies a sense of attention to detail, a focus on the artistry of carving and filigree work. What kinds of artistry are emphasized in the Houses of Parliament? How does that differ from Victoria Terminus in Bombay? Take a look at the two images below to remind yourself of what these buildings look like. You may want to click on the images in order to get a closer view; that way, you can see the details much better.

Click on the image to get a close-up
Houses of Parliament
Sir Charles Barry and A. W. Pugin
begun 1839

Click on the image to get a close-up
Victoria Terminus, Bombay
1878-1887
Designed by Frederick William Stevens.

The two buildings chosen for this comparison are slightly different in their use of the Gothic style. Can you list some key differences? Look at the way the facade works in both buildings. What kinds of decorations are used? What about the coloration of the two buildings? They are used for different purposes as well. How might that effect their interpretation?
Finally, think about the two buildings and their placement--one in London, the center of British government and British empire during the colonial period; the other in Bombay, a major entry point for British colonizers, and a major commercial hub for all of India. What messages does the Gothic style send in each case? Why do you think the architects decided to look to a past style for use in these two buildings? How might we talk about Victoria Terminus as a hybrid building, utilizing Indian and British motifs? How does the patronage for these two differ, and how is it the same? Once again, there are more questions here than answers. Spend some time looking at the images to see what you can come up with regarding their context and how they shape the physical and historical worlds around them.

Neo-Classical Architecture
Britain | India | B&I Neo-Gothic Architecture
Britain | India | B&I

Hybridity in Architecture
India in Britain | British/Indian in India | Hybridity

© 1998. Created by Rebecca M. Brown. Last updated 4/18/98.

	Having seen the Gothic (or neo-Gothic) style in both Britain and India, several interesting issues arise. We know thus far that the Gothic style embodies a sense of attention to detail, a focus on the artistry of carving and filigree work. What kinds of artistry are emphasized in the Houses of Parliament? How does that differ from Victoria Terminus in Bombay? Take a look at the two images below to remind yourself of what these buildings look like. You may want to click on the images in order to get a closer view; that way, you can see the details much better.
	Click on the image to get a close-up Houses of Parliament Sir Charles Barry and A. W. Pugin begun 1839	Click on the image to get a close-up Victoria Terminus, Bombay 1878-1887 Designed by Frederick William Stevens.
	The two buildings chosen for this comparison are slightly different in their use of the Gothic style. Can you list some key differences? Look at the way the facade works in both buildings. What kinds of decorations are used? What about the coloration of the two buildings? They are used for different purposes as well. How might that effect their interpretation? Finally, think about the two buildings and their placement--one in London, the center of British government and British empire during the colonial period; the other in Bombay, a major entry point for British colonizers, and a major commercial hub for all of India. What messages does the Gothic style send in each case? Why do you think the architects decided to look to a past style for use in these two buildings? How might we talk about Victoria Terminus as a hybrid building, utilizing Indian and British motifs? How does the patronage for these two differ, and how is it the same? Once again, there are more questions here than answers. Spend some time looking at the images to see what you can come up with regarding their context and how they shape the physical and historical worlds around them.