Art and Architecture
Gothic Revival
St Mary the Virgin Church - a short trip to Ardleigh
The Gothic Revival was a movement that began in the 1740’s and became popular in the 19th century. Architects sought to revive medieval forms in contrast to the popular Neo-Classical.
The architects took a very intellectual approach and drew inspiration from the Gothic works of art and architecture from the 12th to 16th century. It was closely linked to a revival in Roman Catholicism and a sense of spirituality, church service and ritual. Examples in England that inspired were Salisbury Cathedral and Henry VII chapel in Westminster Abbey. Whilst travel to Europe saw the influence of the Cathedrals of Sienna, Reims and Chatres.
Buildings of this revival include The London Law Courts, The Houses of Parliament and The Natural History Museum. Among the many architects of this revival was William Butterfield (1814 - 1900), he was highly influenced by the writer John Ruskin and was a member of the Ecclesiological Society. His most revered works include All saints church in St Margaret Street in London built between 1849 and 1859.
In 1882 Butterfield designed and carried out the renovation of the chapel in St Mary the Virgin church in Ardleigh, the only example of his work in Essex. The Tower and Porch date back to 1460 the body of the church being rebuilt in 1760. The Gothic inspired decoration was designed to ‘encapsulate a sense of awe and holiness’ to the worshipper and the visitor. Every surface is highly decorated with motifs and patterns using the medium of paint, plaster and tiles.
St Mary the Virgin Church, Ardleigh.
