RALPH ALLEN’S TOWN HOUSE, BATH.
JOHN WOOD AND BATH
By A. Trystan Edwards.
Illustrated by W. J. Palmer-Jones.
The bicentenary celebrations at Bath which are taking place this week provide evidence that the English tradition of civic architecture is still revered not only by architects but by the citizens of the town in which such high accomplishment in the art of building has been exhibited.
The “ English ” Movement.
The ceremonies at Bath do not merely indicate an historical interest in past achievements, but are .a . recognition of the vital importance of ordered townplanning to a developing community. Bath is no longer regarded as a somewhat tame and old-fashioned place in which retired and aged generals or civil servants are wheeled about in chairs, for it is, or will soon become, a rallying-ground for those who have at heart the furtherance of an important movement in architecture. This I may describe as “ the English
movement.” During the last twenty-live years we have had, and still have, in this country American, French, German, Austrian, Swedish, and other movements, but, strange as it may seem, there has been no English movement emphatically expressed in the work either of architectural students or of those more mature practitioners who are so rapidly changing both the form and the spirit of our streets.
Some people may ask: “Is it desirable that there should be an English movement in architecture? ” To this question I answer, “Yes.” It is not only desirable but necessary, if we are to retain our artistic prestige among the great nations of the world. And the English movement which I have in mind would not only determine the direction of architectural developments in this country, but would actually exert a powerful influence over developments elsewhere. What is the nature of the national accomplishment which could be deserving of such renown? We can
JOHN WOOD AND BATH
By A. Trystan Edwards.
Illustrated by W. J. Palmer-Jones.
The bicentenary celebrations at Bath which are taking place this week provide evidence that the English tradition of civic architecture is still revered not only by architects but by the citizens of the town in which such high accomplishment in the art of building has been exhibited.
The “ English ” Movement.
The ceremonies at Bath do not merely indicate an historical interest in past achievements, but are .a . recognition of the vital importance of ordered townplanning to a developing community. Bath is no longer regarded as a somewhat tame and old-fashioned place in which retired and aged generals or civil servants are wheeled about in chairs, for it is, or will soon become, a rallying-ground for those who have at heart the furtherance of an important movement in architecture. This I may describe as “ the English
movement.” During the last twenty-live years we have had, and still have, in this country American, French, German, Austrian, Swedish, and other movements, but, strange as it may seem, there has been no English movement emphatically expressed in the work either of architectural students or of those more mature practitioners who are so rapidly changing both the form and the spirit of our streets.
Some people may ask: “Is it desirable that there should be an English movement in architecture? ” To this question I answer, “Yes.” It is not only desirable but necessary, if we are to retain our artistic prestige among the great nations of the world. And the English movement which I have in mind would not only determine the direction of architectural developments in this country, but would actually exert a powerful influence over developments elsewhere. What is the nature of the national accomplishment which could be deserving of such renown? We can