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What Is Australian Gothic Revival

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Discuss the stylistic terms “Gothic Revival” and “Italianate” in terms of South Australian Colonial and Victorian era architecture. Use examples to illustrate your argument and reference origins overseas and local variations.

Introduction

This essay will aim to expand on and discuss Gothic Revival and Italianate architecture that emerged during the Colonial and Victorian periods around the world and which was brought to Australia during colonisation. As defined in Identifying Australian Architecture by Richard Apperly et al., the Colonial period started in 1788 and continued until 1840. During this time the western world saw the Industrial Revolution shape a new world, followed by Gothic Revival as a reaction against the rigid social structures that followed after the Industrial Revolution. It is impossible to ignore the origins and influences of Gothic architecture, and therefore later the Gothic revival, when talking about Australian architecture because colonisation by …show more content…

Designed by William Wardell, it was built from 1871-1876 and was modelled on Queen Victoria’s Osborne House. Melbourne’s Government House has Italianate features the asymmetrical massing, prominent tower employing classical motifs, pyramidal tower roof, tower parapet, bracketed eaves, faceted bay, arcaded loggia and stucco wall finish. It is strongly tied to England due to Wardell’s love for classical and Italianate design.15 The architecture of Melbourne’s Government House provides a statement that strongly identifies with its British heritage, while at the same time announces the importance of its function by boasting strong cultural and monetary values. It stands out as an impressive echo of its original in Britain, while at the same time Wardell, who became a true architect of Australia, slots it into the Australian fabric to create a statement on its own in the political and residential context of

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