pediments and porticos and symmetrically disposed wings were founded upon the country mansions designed by Palladio which Inigo Jones introduced into England, and completely broke away from mediaeval tradition in house planning.
Walls The walls of the Georgian period continued to be of stone often marked by the free use of the Classic Orders which were a legacy of the early Renaissance period, but Sir Christopher Wren popularised the use of red brickwork while emphasising angles of walls with raised blocks or quoins of stone and window architraves of decorated stonework. The walls were often ornamented with well designed cornices in brick or stone, or of wood which when painted white in conjunction with the window frames gave a pleasing relief to the facades. Plain ashlar wall surfaces served to throw into relief ornate stonework of porticos and windows. Pediments and hipped roofs took the place of gables, and chimneys which were formerly carried up boldly above the roof were now often hidden behind parapets.
Gothic type to the more gently sloping "hipped" style without gables. The cornice was now the characteristic feature of the building and gables were, therefore, inappro- priate. Low pitched pediments sometimes outlined the ends of the sloping roof in contrast to the steep gables of the early period. The upper part of the roof was often formed as a lead flat, surrounded by a balustrade and surmounted by a turret. Balustrades still played an important part in the general design and were occasionally used partly to conceal the flat-pitched roof behind them.
Columns-Columns of the five Orders of Architecture which were re-introduced during the early Renaissance period continued in use during this later period, but more accurately proportioned and detailed. Columnar effects were incorporated into panelling, doorways, chimney-pieces and interiors.
Mouldings Mouldings, which had again reverted to the Roman form during the previous period, but which naturally displayed considerable variety due to lingering Gothic influence, became like other features more strictly
T
C
Two views of the living rOOM
and dining room.
Openings Arcades formed of columns of correct Classic proportions were familiar features of this period. Doorways became more formal in design and were often special features of the facade showing a variety of treat- ment. Windows were much altered in character from the previous period and became smaller, for mullions and transoms went out of general use and sash windows were introduced. These sash windows placed almost flush with the outer face of the walls were painted white and formed a pleasant colour note when flanked by green shutters which contrasted with the red brickwork commonly used. Openings were surrounded by moulded architraves and frequently surmounted by pediments.
Roofs The roof line of the Georgian period evolved from the steep sloping roof fronted with gables of the
classical in form and, as the stock-in-trade of every craftsman, they admitted of little variety in design. Mouldings in general, whether of stone, wood or plaster, became bolder and the large "Ogee" moulding was the one generally in use around fire-places and for panels.
Ornaments-The carved ornament of the Georgian period is an anglicised version of the fully developed Italian Renaissance from which all trace of the Gothic influence disappeared as the classical tradition reasserted itself. Interiors were characterised by large wall panels, plaster ceilings are boldly set out in squares, ovals or circles, framed in by mouldings on which fruits and flowers were moulded in high relief. Houses owed much of their interest to their beautiful fittings and furniture of Chippen- dale, Hepplethwaite, Sheraton and their followers.
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