THE GOLDERS GREEN SYNAGOGUE
This building, which has been more than doubled in size by the additions recently executed, is an interesting example of synagogue design. It must be a matter of very great difficulty for an architect to give the appropriate character and style to a synagogue, for there is no recognisable tradition to guide him and he has to steer between two courses, both of which are questionable; if he makes the synagogue appear an alien intruder in the locality where it is situated, he violates the principles of civic design, while, on the other hand, if his new building approximates too closely to one or other of the forms already appropriated for the halls of worship belonging to other religious denominations, it lacks the quality of expressiveness which good architecture must have. In this instance, Messrs. Joseph have wisely adopted a middle course, and while accepting the Georgian tradition, which is exemplified in much of the work already executed at Golders Green, they have contrived to give to the synagogue the character of a public building which yet possesses a distinctive air.
The main elevation has as its principal feature a tall cubical block marked by an open pediment resting on piers, which enclose a pattern of fenestration comprising two rows of openings. These latter are well
composed, the round-headed window in the centre performing the double function of accentuating the wall-space under the pediment, and taking cognisance of the round-headed windows in the adjacent façade which belongs to the original structure. A pleasing feature in the design is the contrast of brickwork with stone. The latter material, utilised in the heavily moulded string crowning the attic, in the cornices and balustrade, is used with restraint but in such a manner that it has the greatest possible effect, and contributes in no small degree to the distinction and ‘‘finish’’ of the design. The difference in levels of
the walls on either side of the central portion is cleverly managed, the end projection which contains staircases to gallery and choir, being raised by the addition of a tall parapet united to the cornice by a plane band of stone. In the case of the new entrance doorway, however, which required to be placed in the existing façade, the architect has not succeeded in joining the two materials harmoniously, for the background of brick is in no way prepared for this sudden incursion of a stone classic portico complete with columns, entablature and balustrade. Yet it is not easy to suggest how this defect could have been remedied. It was clearly necessary to give the GOLDERS GREEN SYNAGOGUE, DUNSTAN ROAD, N. W. 11: ENTRANCE DETAIL.
Messrs. Joseph, Architects.
This building, which has been more than doubled in size by the additions recently executed, is an interesting example of synagogue design. It must be a matter of very great difficulty for an architect to give the appropriate character and style to a synagogue, for there is no recognisable tradition to guide him and he has to steer between two courses, both of which are questionable; if he makes the synagogue appear an alien intruder in the locality where it is situated, he violates the principles of civic design, while, on the other hand, if his new building approximates too closely to one or other of the forms already appropriated for the halls of worship belonging to other religious denominations, it lacks the quality of expressiveness which good architecture must have. In this instance, Messrs. Joseph have wisely adopted a middle course, and while accepting the Georgian tradition, which is exemplified in much of the work already executed at Golders Green, they have contrived to give to the synagogue the character of a public building which yet possesses a distinctive air.
The main elevation has as its principal feature a tall cubical block marked by an open pediment resting on piers, which enclose a pattern of fenestration comprising two rows of openings. These latter are well
composed, the round-headed window in the centre performing the double function of accentuating the wall-space under the pediment, and taking cognisance of the round-headed windows in the adjacent façade which belongs to the original structure. A pleasing feature in the design is the contrast of brickwork with stone. The latter material, utilised in the heavily moulded string crowning the attic, in the cornices and balustrade, is used with restraint but in such a manner that it has the greatest possible effect, and contributes in no small degree to the distinction and ‘‘finish’’ of the design. The difference in levels of
the walls on either side of the central portion is cleverly managed, the end projection which contains staircases to gallery and choir, being raised by the addition of a tall parapet united to the cornice by a plane band of stone. In the case of the new entrance doorway, however, which required to be placed in the existing façade, the architect has not succeeded in joining the two materials harmoniously, for the background of brick is in no way prepared for this sudden incursion of a stone classic portico complete with columns, entablature and balustrade. Yet it is not easy to suggest how this defect could have been remedied. It was clearly necessary to give the GOLDERS GREEN SYNAGOGUE, DUNSTAN ROAD, N. W. 11: ENTRANCE DETAIL.
Messrs. Joseph, Architects.