Gothic Architecture Ruskins Influence on Britain

John Ruskin was not an architect by trade. However, he had a strong impact on architecture in Britain in more ways than any other architect of his time. Ruskin was an English art critic and social thinker, but he maintained a deep passion for architecture. Ruskin published many works on architecture, naturalism in art, and moral issues–his essays on art and architecture were especially influential in the Victorian period. Ruskin was born on February 8th, 1819 in London, England. He became very well known at a young age for his support of the works of J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). J.M.W. Turner was an English Romantic landscaper painter whose style of work was considered controversial: he believed in embracing the authentic forms of nature,†¦show more content†¦Ruskin believed in the Pre-Raphaelites because they â€Å"were devoted to making simple records of the truth of nature to the best of their ability and knowledge† (Walton, 122). This directly followed his id eas, which made him put the weight of his publications behind them. As he was a clear influence to the Pre-Raphaelites Ruskin had nothing negative to say about them especially because they were rejecting the rigid teachings of the Royal Academy. This allowed Ruskin’s influence to spread even farther because the Pre-Raphaelites took his words and created works of art that could be pure examples of naturalism. Those pure examples could then further influence the community and the accepted style of the time. As Ruskin became older and his works became more popular, the message within became stronger and more direct. He developed rules to be followed by architects when creating their plans if they wanted to be truly Neo-Gothic. Ruskin published an essay in May 1849 on the seven â€Å"Lamps† of architecture. This essay stated the seven most important goals that must be met for a structure to be acceptable by his standards and to be an example of ‘good’ architec ture. The specific style that Ruskin believed was best type of architecture was Neo-Gothic architecture. He saw Neo-Gothic architecture as picturesque but the buildings that were referred to as Neo-Gothic were not always up to his standards. Therefore Ruskin published specific guidelines forShow MoreRelatedThe Industrial Revolution During Mid 19th Century843 Words   |  4 Pagesindustry, however; there were social consequences due to that expeditious progression as it did not necessarily influence the quality of life in a positive manner. The rapid development of cities and the growth of factories and mills gave rise to large slum populations, hence, resulting in serious concerns for the health of the society as it was towards a damaging decline. The architecture of these cities was transforming and adapting itself in order to meet the needs of urbanization and developmentRead MoreCharles Rennie Mackintosh and Scottish Architecture. Essay1097 Words   |  5 PagesIn this essay, I will be discussing how Charles Rennie Mackintosh has contributed to Scottish architecture. I will investigate his influences and how he affected architecture in Scotland over his lifetime. Born on 7th June 1868 in Glasgow, Mackintosh became interested in architecture as a profession from an early age, and, at the age of sixteen secured an apprenticeship with John Hutchison. In order to complete his apprenticeship, he enrolled in the Glasgow School of Art in 1884, where he met Margaret