Arts and crafts Quote by Geoffrey Tyack
““He [John Summerson] wrote that Georgian buildings, in particular, did not rely on an 'irrecoverable sense of craftsmanship for the pleasure they give. Personally I find great enhancement in reconstructed classical architecture. I like the new, sharp-cut masonry of Peckwater quadrangle at Christ Church, and wish that much more of Oxford's scrofulous architecture could be "touched for the King's evil" in the same way'. 59 ... Part of his objection to their restoration rested on the fact that although the fabric could be rebuilt their furnishings were irreplaceable: 'You can re-build the structure of a building of the Wren type without losing much - expect in the way of sentiment. But once you start faking craftsmanship - Grinling Gibbons screens and wrought iron rails - you are doing a poor service to art and a positive disservice to archaeology'. 61 61. RIBA SUJ 10/3 Typescript 'Answering You' BBC Home Service 25 Jan. 1941 - 'Ariel in Wartime'.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Architectural Critique, 1941
Criticizes restoring historic buildings by faking craftsmanship, arguing it harms art and archaeology despite structural rebuilding.
In simple terms: Fake restoration devalues heritage.
Preserve authenticity in conservation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- building renovation
- heritage management
- museum curation
- academic debate
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is reconstruction justified?
- How to balance safety and authenticity?
Restoration may be necessary for safety.