In the middle of the nineteenth century the architectural world was in turmoil over the design of a new government building in London – the Foreign Office in Whitehall. Fierce battle lines were drawn and architects and politicians – including the Prime Minister – banded words like never before, in what became known as ‘The Battle of the Styles.’
In this illustrated lecture and associated walking tour, architectural historian and author Julian Holder delves into the debate and brings it home to Helston to see how it manifested itself here. Far from being remote from such debates, Helston’s major nineteenth-century buildings reflect the national concerns of the day. Julian Holder’s talk will demonstrate how, in a surprising reconsideration of some of its most important buildings.
Dr. Julian Holder is Senior Associate Tutor in Architectural History at the University of Oxford, Visiting Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Falmouth, and a resident of the Lizard. A former Inspector with English Heritage, and adviser to the Getty Conservation Institute on twentieth-century heritage, his publications include Neo-Georgian Architecture, 1880-1970: A Re-appraisal (2016), and Beauty’s Awakening: Arts and Crafts Architecture (2020). He is currently writing a book on the architect Emanuel Vincent Harris.
Julian Holder will explore ‘The Battle of the Styles’ and its relevance to the development of some of Helston’s most prominent buildings in an illustrated talk on Thursday 9 October and will lead a walk on Saturday 11 October. The walk is intended as an extension of the talk, so if possible please book for both (spaces on the walk are more limited). Booking is necessary for both events.