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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…” quote by Geoffrey Tyack
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““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'.””

Geoffrey Tyack

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.

Key Takeaway

Preserve authenticity in conservation.

Themes

heritage authenticity restoration art archaeology

Mood

critical analytical historical

Type

Arts and crafts:0 Craftsmanship:1 Poor service:1 Home Service:0 Classical Architecture:1 Rebuilt Furnishings:0 Georgian Buildings:1 Reconstructed Classical:1 Masonry Peckwater:0

When to use this quote

  • building renovation
  • heritage management
  • museum curation
  • academic debate

Key Concepts

preservation ethics historical integrity craftsmanship cultural memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is reconstruction justified?
  • How to balance safety and authenticity?
A Different Perspective

Restoration may be necessary for safety.

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