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Architecture/Victorian cottages

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Expert: - 8/17/2004


Question
I recently visited Wellesley Island State Park in the Thousand Islands and was amazed by all the Victorian cottages (it was like stepping back in time). It was mentioned that the gingerbread cut-out designs (lattices, cornices, etc) can have an actual meaning. Do you know where I could find out more about what the history is and what the designs mean? Perhaps a book you could recommend?

Answer
Kristy:

Thanks for your question!

Victorian architecture in general began as a revolt against classical architectural styles of early 1800's Great Britain.  It took a number of forms well into the 20th Century.  The form you're seeing on Wellesley is mostly Queen Anne, one of the later styles and one of the most elaborate.

Most homes of this time were built from widely-published pattern books by Downing, Davis, and others.  The details of the vergeboards and other carved exterior details were usually done locally, and because they offered the opportunity for invention, may carry special meanings for the carpenters who carved them.  Exactly what those meanings might be would depend upon the particular house - you'd have to research each one.

But for a more general knowledge of Victorian house style, try Sinclair's "Victorious Victorians" and Pomada's "America's Painted Ladies".  Both are full of good information and packed with photos.  Some of the original pattern books are also available at Dover books and can be ordered on the internet (they're very inexpensive).

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

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Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

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I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

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American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

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Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

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Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
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2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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