Victorian Gothic House Style

With its admirable purity of design and skillful crafting, Victorian Gothic took its cue from medieval ecclesiastical buildings in northern Europe. Through this highly illustrated source--with over 500 photographs, some from original catalogues and others specially commissioned--anyone can recreate the feel of a 19th century Gothic revival style home. From steeply pitched roofs topped by turrets, towers, and chimney-stacks to beautiful natural materials to intricate carvings, every detail will fascinate and inspire.

"Gothic style transformed the urban landscape from the mid 19th century. In this new book discover how leading architects reinterpreted Medieval buildings to create a dynamic style which spread from Victorian England to the other side of the Atlantic. In this illustrated guide the author uses his own drawings and photographs to show the reader some of the leading buildings of the time, and explain how to identify the style on more ordinary houses and how to recognise the details inside and out which characterise it."--Wheelers.co.nz.

Stunning full-colour photographs and engaging text show readers how to identify Ontario's many unique types of homes. Ontario has a rich history of architectural styles, and is home to some of the most stunning heritage houses in North America. In this book, author Robert Mikel profiles in depth every important house style the province has seen over the past three centuries -- from the grand elegance of the Italianate to the intimacy and coziness of the Ontario Cottage. Readers will see how each house style developed in Europe, came to Ontario, and the variations that are unique to the province. Both an attractive gift book and a solid reference, Ontario House Styles will appeal to those who live in Ontario's tens of thousands of heritage homes and to anyone interested in Ontario's colourful architectural history. Ontario House Styles includes ninety homes from: * Ancaster * Brockville * Cobourg * Cambridge * Dundas * Gananoque * Grafton * Grimsby * Hamilton * Kingston * London * Napanee * Niagara-on-the-Lake * Odessa * Paris * Picton * Port Hope * St. Mary's * Stoney Creek * Stratford * Toronto * Waterloo

Focuses mainly on the details associated with the victorian period in England. Linda Osband uses an even mix of beautiful photographs and detailed sketches to illustrate the many design elements of the period. She includes a list of suppliers in the U.K., USA, Australia, France and Germany for those wishing to restore their current home.

Brilliant photos of 1870s, 1880s, showing finest domestic, public architecture; many buildings now gone. 120 plates.

Conclusion -- Appendix -- Bibliography -- Glossary -- Index

For any house-proud owner of a Victorian property this book represents a unique and invaluable resource. Packed with information about Victorian architectural ideas, it includes a wealth of practical advice about the maintenance and conservation of Victorian homes. Part One provides a concise overview of the development of the Victorian house, the wide range of architectural styles that came in and out of fashion over the period, and the lifestyles of the original owners the houses were designed to accommodate. Throughout, the emphasis is on family houses of various sizes rather than the great houses of the aristocracy, which are discussed only in relation to their influence on contemporary builders and architects. Part Two discusses structures and materials, covering brickwork, stone, renders and stuccos, roofs, woodwork, windows and doors, ironwork, and conservatories. In each case there is comprehensive advice on symptoms of trouble, techniques for preservation and restoration, and the correct choice of materials. Part Three covers services—fireplaces and chimneys, lighting, kitchens and bathrooms—all subjects requiring particular sensitivity to achieve a satisfactory compromise between preserving the spirit of the original building and meeting modern standards of comfort and convenience. Part Four examines all aspects of interior decoration, including plasterwork, decorative tiles, paint colors and finishes, wall coverings, curtains and blinds, and floor coverings. The book is completed by lists of further reading, places to visit, and useful addresses, including those of specialist suppliers and contractors, and sources of more detailed information and advice.