Home
Talks
Strawberry Hill House
Strawberry Hill House
In 1747, Horace Walpole—author, politician, and son of Britain’s first Prime Minister—transformed a simple London cottage into a "little Gothic castle." In doing so, he didn't just build a home; he ignited a global architectural revolution.
In this film, we explore the intricate "gloomth" of Strawberry Hill House, the prototypical masterpiece of the Gothic Revival. We deconstruct how Walpole and his "Committee of Taste" sampled the great medieval cathedrals of Europe—from the fan vaults of Westminster Abbey to the tomb of Edward the Confessor—remixing them into a theatrical domestic space that inspired the world’s first Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto.
Join us as we step inside the house that redefined the 18th century and paved the way for iconic landmarks like the Palace of Westminster.
Time Period:
18th century
Themes:
Dr Jonathan Foyle is quite obsessed by historic buildings. From an immersive career in conservation, research and curating, he is fortunate to have found ways to share many discoveries and insights into our ancestors’ experiences. He is an award-winning BBC broadcaster, writes regularly for the Financial Times Weekend, presents multi-media interpretations at fascinating historic sites, and has explained the wonders of the historic environment to audiences from America to Australia (but usually closer to Amersham). Author of two well-received monographs on cathedrals – Canterbury and Lincoln – he also draws a bit. You might come across him as Visiting Professor in Conservation at the University of Lincoln, or helping to bring old buildings to life as Director of the consultancy Built Heritage Ltd.
Watch more
Watch more
10:34
Inside Pugin’s St Giles: The Gothic Revival Church That Stunned Victorian Britain
Step inside St Giles, Cheadle – Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin’s dazzling Gothic Revival Catholic church that stunned Victorian Britain. Completed in 1846, this “jewel box” interior is one of the most extraordinary expressions of Gothic Revival architecture in England. In this film we explore how Pugin turned a small Staffordshire parish church into a total work of art. Every surface is transformed: glowing stained glass, hand-painted stencilling, encaustic Minton tiles, carved stone, gilding and medieval-inspired furnishings all combine into a single immersive vision of faith and colour. We uncover the partnership between Pugin and his powerful Catholic patron, the Earl of Shrewsbury, in the wake of Catholic Emancipation, and show how St Giles became a manifesto for the Gothic Revival – influencing Victorian church design, foreshadowing the Arts and Crafts movement, and still astonishing visitors today.
9:45
Ely Cathedral's Lady Chapel: Devotion and Destruction
Paul Binski describes how the apotheosis of English medieval decoration fell victim to 'hammer happy' religious reformers.
08:01
William Morris' First Masterpiece | The Red House & the Birth of Modern Architecture
Uncover the story behind The Red House, a groundbreaking architectural masterpiece that changed the course of design history. This stunning Victorian-era home, designed by renowned architect Philip Webb for the famous artist William Morris, is more than just a building—it's the birthplace of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Join Paul Greenhalgh - British art historian, writer, museologist and curator - as we explore the design innovations, the cultural significance, and the lasting impact of The Red House on modern architecture. From its artistic vision to its historical context, this video offers an in-depth look at one of the most important yet often overlooked landmarks in architectural history.
10:34
Inside Pugin’s St Giles: The Gothic Revival Church That Stunned Victorian Britain
Step inside St Giles, Cheadle – Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin’s dazzling Gothic Revival Catholic church that stunned Victorian Britain. Completed in 1846, this “jewel box” interior is one of the most extraordinary expressions of Gothic Revival architecture in England. In this film we explore how Pugin turned a small Staffordshire parish church into a total work of art. Every surface is transformed: glowing stained glass, hand-painted stencilling, encaustic Minton tiles, carved stone, gilding and medieval-inspired furnishings all combine into a single immersive vision of faith and colour. We uncover the partnership between Pugin and his powerful Catholic patron, the Earl of Shrewsbury, in the wake of Catholic Emancipation, and show how St Giles became a manifesto for the Gothic Revival – influencing Victorian church design, foreshadowing the Arts and Crafts movement, and still astonishing visitors today.
9:45
Ely Cathedral's Lady Chapel: Devotion and Destruction
Paul Binski describes how the apotheosis of English medieval decoration fell victim to 'hammer happy' religious reformers.
08:01
William Morris' First Masterpiece | The Red House & the Birth of Modern Architecture
Uncover the story behind The Red House, a groundbreaking architectural masterpiece that changed the course of design history. This stunning Victorian-era home, designed by renowned architect Philip Webb for the famous artist William Morris, is more than just a building—it's the birthplace of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Join Paul Greenhalgh - British art historian, writer, museologist and curator - as we explore the design innovations, the cultural significance, and the lasting impact of The Red House on modern architecture. From its artistic vision to its historical context, this video offers an in-depth look at one of the most important yet often overlooked landmarks in architectural history.