Thursday 11 October 2012

Architectural Quiz

Can anyone hazard a guess as to the function that this little architectural gem was built to perform? It is not obvious, alternatively I would be happy if you could suggest where it might live, or try to give the architectural influences on the building.
I will post about it over the weekend.

18 comments:

  1. Dear Rosemary,

    If I were to guess (which is what would be required on my part) the building would be an old bank; however, it also has the look of a station for traveling such as a stagecoach or train station.

    It is a beauty and too bad part of a window has had to be boarded up.

    Joe

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    1. Dear Joe - when I was there, surprisingly, I did not notice the missing part of the window. Only when I looked at the photo on the computer did I see it. The replacement part of the window is actually stone which was probably put there many, many years ago. I am not sure why it was left that way when it was restored. During the long lifetime of the building it has gone through several reincarnations.
      Will post more about it on Saturday.

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  2. Dear Rosemary - I don't know the purpose of the building, but I think it's noteworthy that most of the windows appear to not open. While the building has obvious Neoclassic elements, I associate those multipaned windows with an age not known for Neoclassic style. I'd guess that the building dates to the 1600s, perhaps even earlier, in which case it would be one of the earliest Neoclassic buildings in Britain, would it not? I don't associate the exaggerated quoining, the window panes or those columns with Neoclassism, so perhaps this building is transitional, and perhaps the influence of two countries.

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    1. Dear Mark - some very good observations, and spot on with the date - 1630.
      Surprisingly the windows do open, I opened one to take a photo. There was a considerable increase in window size during the Tudor period. These large windows were subdivided into smaller openings, or lights by mullions (vertical bars of masonry as here or timber) and transoms. To achieve the opening window, a wrought-iron frame is set into the mullion, to which a smaller, opening frame, or casement is hinged; this is latched shut with an iron catch, or held open with an iron stay.
      Definitely the influence of two countries.

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  3. Dear Rosemary,
    This building looks like something Inigo Jones had a hand in as the style seems to be of that era, and the windows look a lot like those of the Banqueting Hall.
    At first I thought 'dower house' but I'm not sure now and think it might have been a pavilion of some sort. Then again it might have been built by someone as a homage to Inigo, who wanted their own place to hold masques.
    Then again it might just be a VIctorian folly!
    I think I may be hedging my bets a little so I shall stop now.
    Kirk

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    1. Dear Kirk - you have taken my breath away.

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  4. Hello Rosemary,
    I have no idea of the type of architecture, but it looks like it may have been used for royalty or someone of importance to appear on the balcony:) May be situated in a large public garden.
    Betty

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    1. Dear Betty - definitely belonged to minor aristocracy, but does not live in a public garden. Thanks for giving it a go.

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  5. Ηallo Rosemary!I can not guess! looks for neoclassical building, ιτ is very glamor, wait for your next post!Wish you a lovely weekend!
    Dimi..

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  6. I've no idea what it was built for but I'm quite curious now. I'm looking forward to know more about it.

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    1. Dear Paula - I think you might be surprised at how close it is to you.

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  7. I don't know but I would say it is about 150 years old and belonged to a someone who had power over a region (city), a mayor, or army guy. Just a guess.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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    1. Thanks for giving it a try Filip - it is a lot older than your guess.

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  8. Dear Rosemary,
    This one I cannot answer. From your previous comments.. I think its in UK and very very old.
    possibly some greeting palace .. for the likes of the Duke of Norfolk .. ! ):
    can't wait to see the answer.
    love these brain teasers.
    xx val

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    1. Dear Val - it is a brain teaser, very difficult to guess the answer, but is is a very interesting and totally unique building. You are right on three points. I will show the answer tomorrow.

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  9. It's a weird building. Looks like it's made up of "spare" parts. A kind of strange "collage" I don't like. There's something strange about this building. The columns look like something that has been added on, maybe for a reason, maybe just with the intent to make the really square building look rounder and more classical. This is a building which was put there by a rich somebody with lots of money and not much knowledge of what is architecturally beautiful and pleasing to the eye. It's a cake with too much icing on it. There seems to be a mixture of styles, all crammed into one building. There is no balance, nor beauty in it. Parts of the building look like they are made of plastic! This building was surely commissioned by someone with a lot of money, who was trying to impress. And his ghost is now going to haunt me because I said so many horrible things about this masterpiece... this was not a house, was it? It doesn't possess the warmth of a home.

    CIAO!

    ANNA

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    1. Dear Anna - no it wasn't a house, all will be revealed tomorrow. Luckily we all have different likes and tastes, otherwise the world would be rather bland.
      Thanks for visiting Anna and hope his ghost doesn't haunt you tonight!!!
      Ciao♥
      ps. My husband admires your insightful comment.

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