The Georgians (Final Part)

 

In this final article about the Georgians, we will be looking at the different architectural styles that were introduced during the Georgian era, and what evidence there is of these buildings present in today’s Swansea.

Let’s turn our attention, to some connections with Swansea, and links to previously published in Family History articles.

This month marks the 269th birthday of John Soane (painting right by Thomas Lawrence), born on 10th September 1753.  John, the son of a bricklayer, was born in Goring-on-Thames.  At the age of 15, John began his training as an architect working under George Dance the Younger.  Continuing with his education, John joined the office of Henry Holland, a close associate of the English gardener and landscape architect Capability Brown.  During the 70s, that’s 1770s, John was awarded the Royal Academy’s Silver Medal for the measured drawings of the facade of the Banqueting House, Whitehall, followed by a Gold Medal for the design of the Triumphal Bridge.  In the late 70s, John undertook on his Grand Tour.  The Grand Tour was an educational rite of passage for upper class young men, wealthy landed gentry and members of the British nobility, who travelled through Europe with Italy being the key destination. The main objective of the Grand Tour was for the culture – the opportunity to view specific works of art and antiquities and to listen to music. The Grand Tour could last months or even years and was often taken in the company of a knowledgeable guide or tutor.

During his tour, John was accompanied by architect Robert F. Brettingham. They were to see the different styles of architect around Europe. It was in Sicily, that a party of visitors including Thomas Bowdler visited (The Georgians, Bay March 2022).  On John’s return in June 1780, he was £120 in debt (£10,000 today).

John’s style included the Neo-Classical.  This style is defined by symmetry and simple geometry, and   can be seen in buildings such as Bank of England.  John commenced work here during 1788. In 1811 he was appointed architect for the building of Dulwich Picture Gallery, by Francis Bourgeois with working being completed by 1817. (Art Gallery connections to Swansea, Bay June 2019) In his lifetime John established No.13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields (left) into a museum,  the many displays include John’s drawings and architectural models along with a large collection of paintings, sculptures and antiques.

It was at No. 13, in January 1837 that John died. He was buried (right) at St. Pancras Old Churchyard, where, within the church there is a memorial tomb to Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin.  They were parents of Fanny Imlay (below right) who committed suicide in Swansea in 1816. Mary Wollstonecraft died a few days after giving birth to Fanny’s half sister Mary. Mary grew up and married poet Percy Bysshe Shelley – she was the author Mary Shelley of Frankenstein fame. (Fanny Imlay, Winter 2016)

One of the museum’s trustees was Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who was also an architect.  His works include the design of the classic red telephone box – K2 (above far right) and K4.  The domed tops of the boxes are said to be inspired by Soane’s Mausoleum. (It’s Good to Talk, Bay October 2020)

Sadly, however, the only evidence of the Georgian architect located in Swansea, are the properties, situated along both Gloucester and Cambrian Places, as most of the buildings dating from this period were destroyed during the Three Night Blitz, in 1941.

Copyright - The Bay Magazine,  September 2022