British Architectural Sculpture: 1851-1951

This book explores the collaborative process that produced the outstanding carving and sculpture on many of the most remarkable buildings of Britain's greatest period of wealth and global power. It investigates the backgrounds, education, and training of the sculptors, modellers, and carvers involved, as well as the relationships between architects and sculptors, the varied nature of their artistic partnerships, and the interplay between the two arts in their contrasting control of space and mass. Work by major architects of the period, such as George Gilbert Scott and Alfred Waterhouse, is discussed, as well as their relationship with architectural sculptors Farmer and Brindley. The emergence and development of Modern architecture and sculpture are traced through the influences of Ruskin, Morris, and the European avant-garde. The increasing levels of cooperation between the two arts during the nineteenth century reached its climax in the architectural sculpture of the New Sculpture movement, resulting in unique artistic partnerships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2024
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate collaborative process that brought forth the remarkable carving and sculpture adorning numerous awe-inspiring buildings during Britain's remarkable era of wealth and global dominance. By examining the methods and techniques employed in these shared artistic endeavors, it sheds light on the backgrounds, education, and training of the sculptors, modellers, and carvers involved, as well as the intricate relationships between architects and sculptors, the diverse nature of their artistic partnerships, and the dynamic interplay between the two arts in their contrasting control of space and mass.

The book explores the work of prominent architects of the period, such as George Gilbert Scott and Alfred Waterhouse, and their profound connection with architectural sculptors like Farmer and Brindley. It also examines the collaborations between John Belcher and Hamo Thorneycroft, Alfred Drury, Charles Holden, Jacob Epstein, and Eric Gill, as well as Edwin Lutyens, who worked alongside Derwent Wood and Charles Sergeant Jagger. Furthermore, the book traces the emergence and development of Modern architecture and sculpture through the influences of figures like Ruskin, Morris, and the European avant-garde.

Throughout its pages, the book highlights the increasing levels of cooperation between the two arts during the nineteenth century, culminating in the remarkable architectural sculpture of the New Sculpture movement. This movement brought together the finest contemporary architects and sculptors, resulting in truly unique artistic partnerships that have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and sculpture.

In conclusion, this comprehensive book offers a profound exploration of the collaborative process that shaped the remarkable carving and sculpture of Britain's golden age. It provides valuable insights into the backgrounds, education, and training of the artists involved, as well as their intricate relationships with architects and the evolution of Modern architecture and sculpture. By examining the interplay between the two arts, the book sheds light on the rich artistic heritage of this period and its lasting impact on the world of art and design.

Weight: 944g
Dimension: 200 x 257 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848226654