Scenic Designer KIMBERLY POWERS‘ design for the Brewster home in "Arsenic and Old Lace" is a masterfully crafted example of Gothic Victorian Architecture, vividly capturing the quaint and subtly sinister atmosphere of the Brewster sisters’ home.
History of the Victorian Gothic Style
The High Victorian Gothic style developed in England in around the mid point of the 19th century. English architect John Ruskin, author of "The Seven Lamps of Architecture" (1849) was a major proponent of the style, finding "constructural coloration" superior to superficially applied color. Initially, this style was inspired by English medieval architecture, but later it drew from medieval French and German building traditions as well. The High Victorian Gothic style did not fully emerge in the United States until after the Civil War. Since this style was most often employed for high-style public buildings or mansions, it was essentially an urban building type. It was often used for the design of schools and libraries. One of Pennsylvania's best examples of this style is the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia , designed by Frank Furness in 1876.
The High Victorian Gothic style is similar to the earlier Gothic Revival style, but is a more heavier, more substantial version of the style. The High Victorian Gothic style was used mostly for large scale public buildings like schools, churches, or government offices, but was sometimes chosen for mansions or homes of substantial size. Always executed in brick or stone, High Victorian Gothic buildings are distinguished by the use of polychrome bands of decorative masonry. Stone quoins, pressed brick, and terra cotta panels were commonly used. Windows and doors were accented with brick or stone trim, often in contrasting colors. The Gothic pointed arch may be present at windows, entrances, and decorative dormers and cross gables. Round turrets with corbelled brickwork and conical roofs are common to this style as well.
Common Building Types
churches
schools
government offices
Identifiable Features
Linear decorative polychrome bands of brick or stone
Masonry construction
Stone quoins
Pointed arch (Gothic) windows and doorways
Steeply gabled roofs, often with cross gables
Ornamental pressed brick and terra cotta tiles
Patterned brick chimneys
Corbelled brickwork
Turret with conical roof
Interiors
This style-fusion resulted in a unique blend of elegance, opulence, and dark drama that stands out even today. Gothic design elements, such as pointed arches, intricate carvings, and decorative patterns inspired by medieval architecture, are combined with Victorian motifs and patterns to create a sophisticated yet mysterious ambiance.
In Victorian Gothic decor, a variety of materials are used to enhance the ambiance and bring the desired drama. Dark hardwoods, such as mahogany and walnut, are commonly used for furniture pieces, flooring, and paneling. Rich fabrics like velvets, brocades, and lace, often featuring intricate patterns, add a touch of luxury to the space. Walls are adorned with elaborate wallpaper patterns showcasing floral motifs, damask prints, or Gothic-inspired designs. To create an authentic Victorian Gothic interior, consider incorporating stained glass windows, wrought iron accents, and ornate chandeliers.
Architectural Decline
Several factors contributed to the decline in popularity of Gothic Victorian Architecture, including:
Changing tastes and styles: As the Victorian era progressed, new styles and tastes emerged, including the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau, which emphasized simplicity and a departure from ornate styles.
Economic factors: The cost of constructing and maintaining Gothic Victorian House buildings was high, and the economic downturn of the late 19th century made it more difficult to finance large building projects.
Practicality: Gothic Victorian Architecture was often criticized for being impractical and difficult to maintain, with its ornate stonework and intricate details requiring frequent upkeep.
Technological advancements: Advances in technology and materials meant that architects had more options for construction and design, and new materials like steel and concrete were more cost-effective and versatile than traditional materials.