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The power of Pugin. How St Giles Cheadle nudged former Times religious affairs correspondent towards conversion by Joanna Lyall, April 19, 2020
Ruth Gledhill, who worked as The Times’ religious affairs correspondent for 27 years has described how St Giles Cheadle played a key role on her road to Catholicism.
Writing in the Easter issue of The Tablet, where she is now digital editor, Gledhill recalls visiting the Augustus Pugin church, with her father, Peter, an Anglican clergyman, at the age of ten and finding it “almost too beautiful to describe”.
She was left alone in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, “in the chair in which John Henry Newman is thought to have sat when he visited the church after his conversion (“This is the gate of heaven,” he whispered on setting eyes on the sumptuous interior).
“For an hour I gazed transfixed at the tabernacle resting on the alabaster altar, amid the encircling red and gold Minton tiles of Pugin’s extraordinary Gothic revival creation.
“That brief moment of divine sensory overload was the starting point of a journey that, after some meandering, and much spiritual seeking, has at last led to my own reception into the Catholic Church,” she wrote.
Gledhill, now 60, describes how the family ended up living in Staffordshire, where her father was working as an RE teacher at a school in Cheadle, following a period in Barbados where he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, suffered a breakdown and made a suicide attempt. He later accepted a Church of England parish outside Uttoxeter, but life continued difficult for the family which by then included five children.
“ I don’t blame my father or his mental health issues for my own alcoholism, or my brother Owen’s suicide at a young age,” she writes. “But the permanent feeling of hunger, and a terrible thirst, spiritual as well as physical, that almost nothing seemed to slake, probably had their roots in these traumatic experiences from my early childhood.”
At the age of 25, when working at The Daily Mail, before joining The Times, she admitted to alcoholism and has been sober since. And she never forgot the feeling of peace experienced at St Giles.
Due to be received into the Catholic Church last September Gledhill ended up in hospital for three weeks suffering from severe acute gallstone pancreatitis and while there had a near death experience. “I have no doubt I would have become a Catholic anyway, but this experience quickened my resolve. Now I was sure.”
“One of the first things I did after my conversion was to re-visit that Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Giles’, and sit in that same chair and pray quietly,” she writes.
“As a deeply flawed person, needing forgiveness and seeking compassion, I am at home in an institution that is itself deeply flawed and yearning for mercy. And that is what it feels like. Coming home”. https://www.stgilescheadle.org.uk
Ruth Gledhill, who worked as The Times’ religious affairs correspondent for 27 years has described how St Giles Cheadle played a key role on her road to Catholicism.
Writing in the Easter issue of The Tablet, where she is now digital editor, Gledhill recalls visiting the Augustus Pugin church, with her father, Peter, an Anglican clergyman, at the age of ten and finding it “almost too beautiful to describe”.
She was left alone in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, “in the chair in which John Henry Newman is thought to have sat when he visited the church after his conversion (“This is the gate of heaven,” he whispered on setting eyes on the sumptuous interior).
“For an hour I gazed transfixed at the tabernacle resting on the alabaster altar, amid the encircling red and gold Minton tiles of Pugin’s extraordinary Gothic revival creation.
“That brief moment of divine sensory overload was the starting point of a journey that, after some meandering, and much spiritual seeking, has at last led to my own reception into the Catholic Church,” she wrote.
Gledhill, now 60, describes how the family ended up living in Staffordshire, where her father was working as an RE teacher at a school in Cheadle, following a period in Barbados where he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, suffered a breakdown and made a suicide attempt. He later accepted a Church of England parish outside Uttoxeter, but life continued difficult for the family which by then included five children.
“ I don’t blame my father or his mental health issues for my own alcoholism, or my brother Owen’s suicide at a young age,” she writes. “But the permanent feeling of hunger, and a terrible thirst, spiritual as well as physical, that almost nothing seemed to slake, probably had their roots in these traumatic experiences from my early childhood.”
At the age of 25, when working at The Daily Mail, before joining The Times, she admitted to alcoholism and has been sober since. And she never forgot the feeling of peace experienced at St Giles.
Due to be received into the Catholic Church last September Gledhill ended up in hospital for three weeks suffering from severe acute gallstone pancreatitis and while there had a near death experience. “I have no doubt I would have become a Catholic anyway, but this experience quickened my resolve. Now I was sure.”
“One of the first things I did after my conversion was to re-visit that Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St Giles’, and sit in that same chair and pray quietly,” she writes.
“As a deeply flawed person, needing forgiveness and seeking compassion, I am at home in an institution that is itself deeply flawed and yearning for mercy. And that is what it feels like. Coming home”. https://www.stgilescheadle.org.uk
Ushaw College now part of Historic Houses
Historic Houses, who represent the UK's largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens, have included Pugin's Ushaw College to their properties. The group oversees over 1,600 buildings and ensures these historic homes stay alive and accessible for generations to come. Their website states that they "advise owners on anything from rising damp to hosting festivals, and we lobby government on their behalf. We award those houses that have completed exceptional restorations, have wonderful gardens, and work tirelessly to excel in educational innovation. And we work to further research into historic houses and their collections."
Ushaw holds the largest collection of the Pugin family Gothic Revival architecture in the UK. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852), famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament, was involved with Ushaw's building expansion from the 1840s to his death. Consequently, his sons Edward and Peter Paul Pugin both carried on his legacy and designed chapels, a museum, infirmary, dormitory and Junior School for the site. As a new addition, Ushaw College will begin admitting Historic Houses members for free from 2020. To find out more about your visit, head to the Historic Houses website HERE.
Historic Houses, who represent the UK's largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens, have included Pugin's Ushaw College to their properties. The group oversees over 1,600 buildings and ensures these historic homes stay alive and accessible for generations to come. Their website states that they "advise owners on anything from rising damp to hosting festivals, and we lobby government on their behalf. We award those houses that have completed exceptional restorations, have wonderful gardens, and work tirelessly to excel in educational innovation. And we work to further research into historic houses and their collections."
Ushaw holds the largest collection of the Pugin family Gothic Revival architecture in the UK. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852), famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament, was involved with Ushaw's building expansion from the 1840s to his death. Consequently, his sons Edward and Peter Paul Pugin both carried on his legacy and designed chapels, a museum, infirmary, dormitory and Junior School for the site. As a new addition, Ushaw College will begin admitting Historic Houses members for free from 2020. To find out more about your visit, head to the Historic Houses website HERE.
Pugin's Parliamentary letter box "Returned to Sender"
We’ve previously mentioned a wooden letter box that was mysteriously discovered in a farmhouse. We can now update on the interesting journey this item has taken and its arrival at it's new home. In late September the box was sold at auction where it was purchased for £4,200 (well over the estimated price) by the Palace of Westminster. We are told the item comes with no supporting documentation and has been “in private family ownership since the early 20th century or before.” In their newsletter, The Society of Antiquaries reports that “perhaps it was taken home by someone in Westminster when a replacement post-box system was introduced. Research, we are told, continues.” In a press release, Mark Collins, Archivist and Historian for the Houses of Parliament, says that he has located correspondence between Charles Barry and A W Pugin which discuss a letter box and feels “there is good reason to regard the recently discovered box as one of those referred to in this letter.” Although only one box has been found, Collins goes on to note that there were most likely two – one for the House of Lords, the other for the Commons. Auctioners Mellors & Kirk note that although “now much obscured by rust… the very finely chiselled mounts are consistent with the work of John Hardman & Co, Birmingham, and the [oak] box with Frederick Crace & Son, London.” Given its age and where it has been stored, the letter box is in very good condition and, following conservation work, will be added to Parliament’s Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts collection and placed on public display.
We’ve previously mentioned a wooden letter box that was mysteriously discovered in a farmhouse. We can now update on the interesting journey this item has taken and its arrival at it's new home. In late September the box was sold at auction where it was purchased for £4,200 (well over the estimated price) by the Palace of Westminster. We are told the item comes with no supporting documentation and has been “in private family ownership since the early 20th century or before.” In their newsletter, The Society of Antiquaries reports that “perhaps it was taken home by someone in Westminster when a replacement post-box system was introduced. Research, we are told, continues.” In a press release, Mark Collins, Archivist and Historian for the Houses of Parliament, says that he has located correspondence between Charles Barry and A W Pugin which discuss a letter box and feels “there is good reason to regard the recently discovered box as one of those referred to in this letter.” Although only one box has been found, Collins goes on to note that there were most likely two – one for the House of Lords, the other for the Commons. Auctioners Mellors & Kirk note that although “now much obscured by rust… the very finely chiselled mounts are consistent with the work of John Hardman & Co, Birmingham, and the [oak] box with Frederick Crace & Son, London.” Given its age and where it has been stored, the letter box is in very good condition and, following conservation work, will be added to Parliament’s Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts collection and placed on public display.
Congregation raising funds to save EW Pugin’s Our Lady and St Michael in Workington
The church of Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Michael in Workington, designed by Edward Pugin in 1876, has been placed on Historic England’s 2019 Heritage at Risk Register. To address the £1 million repair work, members of the congregation have established the Workington Stella Maris group and are hoping to involve the larger community in its fundraising efforts. Chair John Garner notes that the church is “desperate for a local funder and for the community to get involved” to address serious problems to the structure including sandstone erosion, delamination, a crack in the east end, re-roofing, work to the baptistery and entrance, and the bowing out of walls from the transcept to the north. The Cumberland News and Star reports that the church has applied to the heritage lottery fund without success. Garner states that “if we don’t invest we’ll end up with a ruin” and “if it’s gone it’s gone forever. We are working to protect the church for this and future generations. It is a community asset.” The church will hold a Christmas market on November 23, more details of which can be found HERE, along with updates on the restoration appeal.
The church of Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Michael in Workington, designed by Edward Pugin in 1876, has been placed on Historic England’s 2019 Heritage at Risk Register. To address the £1 million repair work, members of the congregation have established the Workington Stella Maris group and are hoping to involve the larger community in its fundraising efforts. Chair John Garner notes that the church is “desperate for a local funder and for the community to get involved” to address serious problems to the structure including sandstone erosion, delamination, a crack in the east end, re-roofing, work to the baptistery and entrance, and the bowing out of walls from the transcept to the north. The Cumberland News and Star reports that the church has applied to the heritage lottery fund without success. Garner states that “if we don’t invest we’ll end up with a ruin” and “if it’s gone it’s gone forever. We are working to protect the church for this and future generations. It is a community asset.” The church will hold a Christmas market on November 23, more details of which can be found HERE, along with updates on the restoration appeal.
Edward Pugin's Gorton Monastery featured on Songs of Praise
The latest installment of Songs of Praise was broadcast from the Church and Friary of St Francis, otherwise known as Gorton Monastery. Designed by Edward Pugin and completed in 1872, the Franciscan friary in Manchester was in poor condition and was placed on the World Monuments Fund Watch List of the most endangered sites in the world. Following a £6 million restoration programme spearheaded by Elaine Griffiths, CEO of The Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, the building was reopened in 2007. The episode can be viewed within the UK on the BBC HERE. Be sure to watch the credits as the Pugin Society is thanked for our help.
The latest installment of Songs of Praise was broadcast from the Church and Friary of St Francis, otherwise known as Gorton Monastery. Designed by Edward Pugin and completed in 1872, the Franciscan friary in Manchester was in poor condition and was placed on the World Monuments Fund Watch List of the most endangered sites in the world. Following a £6 million restoration programme spearheaded by Elaine Griffiths, CEO of The Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, the building was reopened in 2007. The episode can be viewed within the UK on the BBC HERE. Be sure to watch the credits as the Pugin Society is thanked for our help.
Hardman event at the Palace of Westminster a success
The symposium on Hardman and Pugin’s work at the new Houses of Parliament was held on October 4 and has garnered much praise. This Society only programme featured three speakers who covered various aspects of the Pugin-Hardman collaboration. This included Neil Phillips, former owner of John Hardman & Co., whose talk Hardman to the Rescue: from past to present, gave an introduction to the collaboration and an overview of working in the Hardman Studios in the more recent past; Jamie Jacobs, PhD student at the University of Kent whose talk “Gothic labourers for the present day”: Pugin’s collaboration with John Hardman examined how Pugin’s approach to fabrication and design was adopted and adapted for the realities of producing metalwork with Hardman; and Dr Jim Cheshire, University of Lincoln, whose talk Glazing the New Palace of Westminster: Debates, Dynamics and Glass Painters explored how the windows at the Palace related to debates about stained glass design in the 1840s and 1850s. Dr Mark Collins of the Palace of Westminster was meant to give the talk Hardman from the archives but he was unavailable due to illness and the talk and following tour were ably given in his absence by symposium convener Emily Spary of the Parliamentary Restoration and Renewal team.
For a more thorough and lively overview of the conference, we recommend you visit the website of Dr Grace Lees-Maffei, Professor of Design History at the University of Hertfordshire, found HERE. As a student of the late Clive Wainwright Lees-Maffei is well poised to assess the day’s gathering and offer a critical commentary on what she regards as a successful and engaging event. She concludes by stating “I am now very glad to finally be a member of the Pugin Society and on the basis of this symposium and tour, I can highly recommend membership to anyone with an interest in nineteenth-century design.” We cannot agree more.
The symposium on Hardman and Pugin’s work at the new Houses of Parliament was held on October 4 and has garnered much praise. This Society only programme featured three speakers who covered various aspects of the Pugin-Hardman collaboration. This included Neil Phillips, former owner of John Hardman & Co., whose talk Hardman to the Rescue: from past to present, gave an introduction to the collaboration and an overview of working in the Hardman Studios in the more recent past; Jamie Jacobs, PhD student at the University of Kent whose talk “Gothic labourers for the present day”: Pugin’s collaboration with John Hardman examined how Pugin’s approach to fabrication and design was adopted and adapted for the realities of producing metalwork with Hardman; and Dr Jim Cheshire, University of Lincoln, whose talk Glazing the New Palace of Westminster: Debates, Dynamics and Glass Painters explored how the windows at the Palace related to debates about stained glass design in the 1840s and 1850s. Dr Mark Collins of the Palace of Westminster was meant to give the talk Hardman from the archives but he was unavailable due to illness and the talk and following tour were ably given in his absence by symposium convener Emily Spary of the Parliamentary Restoration and Renewal team.
For a more thorough and lively overview of the conference, we recommend you visit the website of Dr Grace Lees-Maffei, Professor of Design History at the University of Hertfordshire, found HERE. As a student of the late Clive Wainwright Lees-Maffei is well poised to assess the day’s gathering and offer a critical commentary on what she regards as a successful and engaging event. She concludes by stating “I am now very glad to finally be a member of the Pugin Society and on the basis of this symposium and tour, I can highly recommend membership to anyone with an interest in nineteenth-century design.” We cannot agree more.
St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham, celebrates its famous convert
As part of its 175th anniversary celebrations AWN Pugin’s St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham, is holding a study afternoon on the writer Graham Greene, who became a Catholic there in 1926. Faith, Nottingham and Graham Greene on Saturday October 19, from 2-7pm, will include novelists Creina Mansfield and David Belbin and the playwright Michael Eaton. It will be followed by an optional tour of the cathedral.
When he was 21 Greene spent several months in the city working as a sub-editor on the Nottingham Journal and visited what he later described, in his autobiography, A Sort of Life, “the sooty neo-Gothic cathedral.” “It possessed for me a certain gloomy power because it represented the inconceivable and incredible,” he said. But following twice-weekly instruction from the cathedral administrator, Father George Trollope, he was received into the church in February 1926 “with the only witness of my baptism a woman who had been dusting the chairs.”
St Barnabas was completed in 1844 at a cost of £20,000 of which £7,000 was provided by the Earl of Shrewsbury. Pugin was unable to attend the two-day consecration ceremony because he was arranging the funeral of his second wife, Louisa who had died on August 22nd. A report of the opening in the Illustrated London News described St Barnabas as “the largest Catholic church completed in this country since the reformation”. To book a ticket for the event email events@fiveleaves.co.uk and click HERE for more details.
As part of its 175th anniversary celebrations AWN Pugin’s St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham, is holding a study afternoon on the writer Graham Greene, who became a Catholic there in 1926. Faith, Nottingham and Graham Greene on Saturday October 19, from 2-7pm, will include novelists Creina Mansfield and David Belbin and the playwright Michael Eaton. It will be followed by an optional tour of the cathedral.
When he was 21 Greene spent several months in the city working as a sub-editor on the Nottingham Journal and visited what he later described, in his autobiography, A Sort of Life, “the sooty neo-Gothic cathedral.” “It possessed for me a certain gloomy power because it represented the inconceivable and incredible,” he said. But following twice-weekly instruction from the cathedral administrator, Father George Trollope, he was received into the church in February 1926 “with the only witness of my baptism a woman who had been dusting the chairs.”
St Barnabas was completed in 1844 at a cost of £20,000 of which £7,000 was provided by the Earl of Shrewsbury. Pugin was unable to attend the two-day consecration ceremony because he was arranging the funeral of his second wife, Louisa who had died on August 22nd. A report of the opening in the Illustrated London News described St Barnabas as “the largest Catholic church completed in this country since the reformation”. To book a ticket for the event email events@fiveleaves.co.uk and click HERE for more details.
War memorial dedicated at St Augustine’s church in Ramsgate
A war memorial plaque listing the names of past students of St Augustine’s College and Abbey School who died in conflict was unveiled by Lt. Col. Paddy Williams, a member of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and former pupil at St Augustine’s College, at a ceremony on September 28.
This is not the first war memorial, with the original dedicated to World War One erected above the entrance to St Augustine’s College chapel in 1919. The chapel was built by Peter Paul Pugin, St Augustine’s first registered pupil, and the school building (St Gregory’s) by Edward Pugin. Both structures were both demolished after the school’s relocation in 1971 and the memorial was lost at this time. The Second World War memorial was put in storage after the school closed down in 1995. The new memorial includes a roll of honour memorialising those students of St Augustine’s who were killed in the World Wars, including Michael Thunder, AWN Pugin’s grandson. The plaque has been funded by generous donations from Old Augustinians.
A war memorial plaque listing the names of past students of St Augustine’s College and Abbey School who died in conflict was unveiled by Lt. Col. Paddy Williams, a member of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and former pupil at St Augustine’s College, at a ceremony on September 28.
This is not the first war memorial, with the original dedicated to World War One erected above the entrance to St Augustine’s College chapel in 1919. The chapel was built by Peter Paul Pugin, St Augustine’s first registered pupil, and the school building (St Gregory’s) by Edward Pugin. Both structures were both demolished after the school’s relocation in 1971 and the memorial was lost at this time. The Second World War memorial was put in storage after the school closed down in 1995. The new memorial includes a roll of honour memorialising those students of St Augustine’s who were killed in the World Wars, including Michael Thunder, AWN Pugin’s grandson. The plaque has been funded by generous donations from Old Augustinians.
Restoration efforts at Liverpool's Our Lady of Reconciliation now complete
Those of you who joined us on last year's study tour will remember our visit to Edward Pugin's Grade II listed Our Lady of Reconciliation de la Salette, 1859-60. During our visit, we learned that the church was undergoing serious structural repairs to secure the opposing walls from bulging out due to damage inflicted by the careless installation of a bell-cote. We share a news story from the Liverpool Echo HERE, discussing the restoration and giving views of the interior. For comparison, we show our photo of the interior from our trip last year with the completed works. We're sure you will join us in congratulating the church of Our Lady on a job well done.
Those of you who joined us on last year's study tour will remember our visit to Edward Pugin's Grade II listed Our Lady of Reconciliation de la Salette, 1859-60. During our visit, we learned that the church was undergoing serious structural repairs to secure the opposing walls from bulging out due to damage inflicted by the careless installation of a bell-cote. We share a news story from the Liverpool Echo HERE, discussing the restoration and giving views of the interior. For comparison, we show our photo of the interior from our trip last year with the completed works. We're sure you will join us in congratulating the church of Our Lady on a job well done.
Pugin Week September 7 - 14, 2019 Events Announced
The Shrine of St Augustine and the National Pugin Centre in Ramsgate have announced details of their annual week of events to celebrate Augustus Pugin.
Highlights include:
• A boat trip to the Goodwin Sands – where Pugin used to rescue shipwrecked sailors and salvage cargo from their ships.
• Unveiling of the replica of the Pugin Altar frontal from the Jesuit Church in Farm Street with drinks reception and music.
• Talk about the “Anglican Pugin” (R.H. Carpenter) and his greatest work, the Chapel of Lancing College.
• Walk from Canterbury to Ramsgate, Saturday 7th.
• Musical events including Faure’s Requiem from scratch Saturday 14th and an opportunity to learn Gregorian Chant.
We may be biased, but we highly recommend the lecture on Wednesday, 11th September, given by Catriona Blaker, local Pugin scholar and co-founder of the Pugin Society, who will be talking about Herbert Minton, designer of the encaustic tiles in St Augustine's and the Houses of Parliament. For the full schedule, click HERE.
The Shrine of St Augustine and the National Pugin Centre in Ramsgate have announced details of their annual week of events to celebrate Augustus Pugin.
Highlights include:
• A boat trip to the Goodwin Sands – where Pugin used to rescue shipwrecked sailors and salvage cargo from their ships.
• Unveiling of the replica of the Pugin Altar frontal from the Jesuit Church in Farm Street with drinks reception and music.
• Talk about the “Anglican Pugin” (R.H. Carpenter) and his greatest work, the Chapel of Lancing College.
• Walk from Canterbury to Ramsgate, Saturday 7th.
• Musical events including Faure’s Requiem from scratch Saturday 14th and an opportunity to learn Gregorian Chant.
We may be biased, but we highly recommend the lecture on Wednesday, 11th September, given by Catriona Blaker, local Pugin scholar and co-founder of the Pugin Society, who will be talking about Herbert Minton, designer of the encaustic tiles in St Augustine's and the Houses of Parliament. For the full schedule, click HERE.
The Biographical Dictionary of Greater Manchester Architects now available online
The Manchester Group of the Victorian Society has announced that the Biographical Dictionary of Greater Manchester Architects is now freely available online. Created under the auspices of the Manchester Group of the Victorian Society to mark its jubilee, Manchester Victorian Architects (DGMA) is a database providing biographical information and details of commissions awarded for all architects known to have been born, trained, lived, or worked in Greater Manchester between 1800 and 1940. Searchable by name or location of architect, practice, or building, architects based in the Greater Manchester area have their known works catalogued as fully as possible and details of architects based elsewhere in the UK are included insofar as their commissions relate to the Greater Manchester area. The database currently provides details of over 1,000 architects, 400 partnerships and 10,000 buildings, including AWN Pugin's Church of St Wilfrid in Hulme and nine buildings by Edward Pugin. We congratulate the Manchester Group of the Victorian Society on the completion of this valuable resource and thank them for sharing it with us. You can access the database HERE.
The Manchester Group of the Victorian Society has announced that the Biographical Dictionary of Greater Manchester Architects is now freely available online. Created under the auspices of the Manchester Group of the Victorian Society to mark its jubilee, Manchester Victorian Architects (DGMA) is a database providing biographical information and details of commissions awarded for all architects known to have been born, trained, lived, or worked in Greater Manchester between 1800 and 1940. Searchable by name or location of architect, practice, or building, architects based in the Greater Manchester area have their known works catalogued as fully as possible and details of architects based elsewhere in the UK are included insofar as their commissions relate to the Greater Manchester area. The database currently provides details of over 1,000 architects, 400 partnerships and 10,000 buildings, including AWN Pugin's Church of St Wilfrid in Hulme and nine buildings by Edward Pugin. We congratulate the Manchester Group of the Victorian Society on the completion of this valuable resource and thank them for sharing it with us. You can access the database HERE.
Eileen Allen, Pugin's great granddaughter, passes away
We received word from a relative that Eileen Thunder Allen, great granddaughter of AWN Pugin, passed away last year at the ripe age of 100. Her granddaughter writes how "I recall how she spoke fondly of her family's history. I also remember a very large book about Pugin that had a permanent spot in her living room." To follow the lineage, AWN Pugin & Jane Knill (third wife, 1825-1909) > Margaret Pugin (daughter, 1849-1884) & George Thunder (second husband) > James A Thunder (AWN’s grandson, 1879-1954) & Gertrude Buckley > Eileen Gertrude Thunder Allen (AWN’s great granddaughter, September 29, 1917 - March 14, 2018). Eileen leaves behind 8 children, 16 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren to continue Pugin's legacy. A full obituary can be found HERE.
We received word from a relative that Eileen Thunder Allen, great granddaughter of AWN Pugin, passed away last year at the ripe age of 100. Her granddaughter writes how "I recall how she spoke fondly of her family's history. I also remember a very large book about Pugin that had a permanent spot in her living room." To follow the lineage, AWN Pugin & Jane Knill (third wife, 1825-1909) > Margaret Pugin (daughter, 1849-1884) & George Thunder (second husband) > James A Thunder (AWN’s grandson, 1879-1954) & Gertrude Buckley > Eileen Gertrude Thunder Allen (AWN’s great granddaughter, September 29, 1917 - March 14, 2018). Eileen leaves behind 8 children, 16 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren to continue Pugin's legacy. A full obituary can be found HERE.
Historic England designates Pugin’s Wilburton Manor Grade II
Wilburton Manor in East Cambridgeshire was completed in 1851 to the designs of AWN Pugin and built by George Myers for the Pell family, the local landowners. The building is one of Pugin’s ‘pin wheel’ houses which comprised principal rooms on the ground floor radiating off a central stair hall and orientated at 90 degrees from each other. Principal bedrooms were located around the stair hall on the first floor. Service areas and servant accommodation was provided away from the principal spaces and at Wilburton is accessed through a doorway under the main stair. Wilburton Manor has undergone some alteration through its conversion and use as a school and its listing as Grade II reflects these changes.
Click HERE to view Historic England's listing.
Wilburton Manor in East Cambridgeshire was completed in 1851 to the designs of AWN Pugin and built by George Myers for the Pell family, the local landowners. The building is one of Pugin’s ‘pin wheel’ houses which comprised principal rooms on the ground floor radiating off a central stair hall and orientated at 90 degrees from each other. Principal bedrooms were located around the stair hall on the first floor. Service areas and servant accommodation was provided away from the principal spaces and at Wilburton is accessed through a doorway under the main stair. Wilburton Manor has undergone some alteration through its conversion and use as a school and its listing as Grade II reflects these changes.
Click HERE to view Historic England's listing.
Looking forward to 2020: the 25th Anniversary of the Pugin Society
Next year we are planning an exciting series of events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Pugin Society. As part of this, we are hoping to encourage and support members to hold events and activities around the country, linked to September 14th, the anniversary of Pugin's death, or to sites associated with his and his family's work. To facilitate this we are offering four grants of up to £500 each. These could be used, for example, to:
• facilitate a visiting lecture, supporting travel and accommodation costs
• pay the costs of printing leaflets to promote a Pugin site
• pay the costs of printing leaflets to promote an event that is to be held in the week around the 14th September or at a Pugin site
Further details of the grants and the application process wilI be announced at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7th December 2019. In the meantime, members are encouraged to CONTACT the Hon Treasurer, Mike Galloway for information and support.
Next year we are planning an exciting series of events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Pugin Society. As part of this, we are hoping to encourage and support members to hold events and activities around the country, linked to September 14th, the anniversary of Pugin's death, or to sites associated with his and his family's work. To facilitate this we are offering four grants of up to £500 each. These could be used, for example, to:
• facilitate a visiting lecture, supporting travel and accommodation costs
• pay the costs of printing leaflets to promote a Pugin site
• pay the costs of printing leaflets to promote an event that is to be held in the week around the 14th September or at a Pugin site
Further details of the grants and the application process wilI be announced at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7th December 2019. In the meantime, members are encouraged to CONTACT the Hon Treasurer, Mike Galloway for information and support.
Church of St Peter and St Paul, Algarkirk, seeking funds for restoration project
We received an urgent update from St Peter and St Paul's Church, Algarkirk, which is in desperate need of repair. While not a Pugin church, it contains work by Crace and Hardman including the chancel and south transcept windows, and shows Pugin's influence throughout. The church told us the following and included the attached video:
The Algarkirk Major Project Group (AMPG) have been working for 5 years to raise funds to save the church before it is too late. We have now secured an HLF grant for over £1.7 million, which sounds huge, but barely covers the most essential work. BUT, before we can start work, we have to raise £300,000 in match funding. We hope to raise about £200k from specialist conservation charities, but the last £100k is going to have to come from private donations and fund-raising events. Can you help? The money will largely be used to reset the priceless stained glass and install a protective glass barrier against the weather; to clean and stabilize the painted decoration; to repair fragile masonry and cracked lead; to re-roof sections, and to install a heating system to protect the fabric from the shock of temperature changes. Having a church of this importance and beauty in our midst is a great blessing, but it is too great a burden for the 275 or so adults who live in this village. We will do all we can, but we need your help too.
We received an urgent update from St Peter and St Paul's Church, Algarkirk, which is in desperate need of repair. While not a Pugin church, it contains work by Crace and Hardman including the chancel and south transcept windows, and shows Pugin's influence throughout. The church told us the following and included the attached video:
The Algarkirk Major Project Group (AMPG) have been working for 5 years to raise funds to save the church before it is too late. We have now secured an HLF grant for over £1.7 million, which sounds huge, but barely covers the most essential work. BUT, before we can start work, we have to raise £300,000 in match funding. We hope to raise about £200k from specialist conservation charities, but the last £100k is going to have to come from private donations and fund-raising events. Can you help? The money will largely be used to reset the priceless stained glass and install a protective glass barrier against the weather; to clean and stabilize the painted decoration; to repair fragile masonry and cracked lead; to re-roof sections, and to install a heating system to protect the fabric from the shock of temperature changes. Having a church of this importance and beauty in our midst is a great blessing, but it is too great a burden for the 275 or so adults who live in this village. We will do all we can, but we need your help too.
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Firstly please share this appeal with your friends and contacts, wherever they are. People left our village to settle in America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. One of our medieval bronzes commemorates a merchant from the Low Countries. Your ancestors may have actually worked on the original reconstruction and still be buried in our churchyard. Who knows.
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Secondly, please donate whatever you can by following the steps on this site. Believe me, every penny, euro, cent, or dollar will help. It is a mammoth task, but with your help, we can do this and preserve this "Mini Cathedral of the Fens" for future generations. Thank You!
New Events announced
Head to our EVENTS page to view details of a July trip to Worcester Cathedral and the private collection of Pugin's great-great-granddaughter Sarah Houle. We've also announced details of the AGM which will feature speaker Paul Atterbury. We hope you'll join us at these events.
Head to our EVENTS page to view details of a July trip to Worcester Cathedral and the private collection of Pugin's great-great-granddaughter Sarah Houle. We've also announced details of the AGM which will feature speaker Paul Atterbury. We hope you'll join us at these events.
Amid the sadness surrounding the fire at Notre Dame, a dire warning for the Houses of Parliament
As The Pugin Society extends our sympathy to the people of Paris and those who treasure Notre Dame Cathedral, we recall how, in the autumn of 1834, Pugin watched the medieval Houses of Parliament burn to the ground. Pugin took great pleasure in the destruction of the contemporary elements of the building as added by Wyatt and Soane, which detracted from the “true principles” present in the original medieval structure. He would later go on to write that it was in fact “a glorious sight to see…composition mullions and cement pinnacles and battlements flying and cracking while…turrets were smoking like so many manufacturing chimnies till the heat shivered them into a thousand pieces.” We are certain, however, that he would have had a much different reaction to the recent fire at Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. As the son of a French emigre, Pugin made frequent trips to the continent to study architecture and he certainly set foot inside the cathedral, whose medieval gothic style he held in utmost regard. Even the contemporary additions to this building such as Viollet-le-Duc’s spire (completed after Pugin’s death) were in keeping with the medieval style that Pugin held so dear.
As The Pugin Society extends our sympathy to the people of Paris and those who treasure Notre Dame Cathedral, we recall how, in the autumn of 1834, Pugin watched the medieval Houses of Parliament burn to the ground. Pugin took great pleasure in the destruction of the contemporary elements of the building as added by Wyatt and Soane, which detracted from the “true principles” present in the original medieval structure. He would later go on to write that it was in fact “a glorious sight to see…composition mullions and cement pinnacles and battlements flying and cracking while…turrets were smoking like so many manufacturing chimnies till the heat shivered them into a thousand pieces.” We are certain, however, that he would have had a much different reaction to the recent fire at Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. As the son of a French emigre, Pugin made frequent trips to the continent to study architecture and he certainly set foot inside the cathedral, whose medieval gothic style he held in utmost regard. Even the contemporary additions to this building such as Viollet-le-Duc’s spire (completed after Pugin’s death) were in keeping with the medieval style that Pugin held so dear.
From L-R: The Palace of Westminster on Fire, 1834, by an unknown artist; the conflagration at Notre Dame,
15th April 2019; the Houses of Parliament today.
While we share in the sadness of the overwhelming destruction caused by the fire, we are also certain that the French people, the Catholic community, and lovers of art and architecture worldwide will ensure the cathedral is rebuilt. But we also cannot help but return to the similarity between Notre Dame and Britain’s structures of national importance, namely the new Houses of Parliament. As the flames destroyed its medieval precursor, Pugin saw an opportunity to create an even more impressive structure, and he and Charles Barry certainly delivered on that account. It seems, however, that almost two hundred years later we haven’t learned from the events that led to the initial destruction; or, more likely, that we willfully ignore these lessons from the past and set ourselves up for future devastation.
An eagle-eyed follower brought the article Fears for UK Parliament after Notre Dame Blaze to our attention, although it is a message of which we have been acutely aware for some time. Here the author states that “The Palace of Westminster could face a fire as devastating as the one that has ravaged Notre Dame unless major improvements are made to the crumbling building in central London.” An engineering marvel at its date of construction, the Houses of Parliament are now in desperate need of updating. Last year the members of parliament voted to leave the building so that renovations could occur, but this work is not set to start until the mid 2020s. Let us learn from the tragedy in Paris and ensure that national (and indeed, international) treasures such as the Houses of Parliament are valued and protected. As MP Chris Bryant points out, “Parts of the Palace are as old as Notre Dame and we must make sure that every fire precaution is taken as the major work goes ahead. God knows we’ve had enough warnings.”
An eagle-eyed follower brought the article Fears for UK Parliament after Notre Dame Blaze to our attention, although it is a message of which we have been acutely aware for some time. Here the author states that “The Palace of Westminster could face a fire as devastating as the one that has ravaged Notre Dame unless major improvements are made to the crumbling building in central London.” An engineering marvel at its date of construction, the Houses of Parliament are now in desperate need of updating. Last year the members of parliament voted to leave the building so that renovations could occur, but this work is not set to start until the mid 2020s. Let us learn from the tragedy in Paris and ensure that national (and indeed, international) treasures such as the Houses of Parliament are valued and protected. As MP Chris Bryant points out, “Parts of the Palace are as old as Notre Dame and we must make sure that every fire precaution is taken as the major work goes ahead. God knows we’ve had enough warnings.”
Paul Atterbury to speak at Pugin Society AGM in December
This year is the 25th anniversary of Pugin: A Gothic Passion the Victoria and Albert museum’s magisterial exhibition which firmly established AWN Pugin’s reputation in the national consciousness.
To mark the occasion, Paul Atterbury, of BBC 1’s Antiques Roadshow, who curated the exhibition with the late Clive Wainwright, Senior Research Fellow in 19th Century Studies at the V&A, will speak to the AGM of the Pugin Society in December.
Three years in preparation the exhibition ran from June to September 1994, attracting more than 74,000 visitors and wide press coverage. It was followed in the winter of 1995-1996 by AWN Pugin: Master of Gothic Revival an exhibition at the Bard Center, New York, also curated by Paul Atterbury.
Catriona Blaker, co-founder of the Pugin Society, said “We are delighted that Paul Atterbury has agreed to talk about the major exhibition which made so many people more aware of Pugin. Held before the Landmark Trust’s restoration of The Grange, Pugin’s house in Ramsgate, and before the formation of the Pugin Society the exhibition was a real trailblazer which led to an unimaginable advance in understanding of all Pugin stood for.”
This year is the 25th anniversary of Pugin: A Gothic Passion the Victoria and Albert museum’s magisterial exhibition which firmly established AWN Pugin’s reputation in the national consciousness.
To mark the occasion, Paul Atterbury, of BBC 1’s Antiques Roadshow, who curated the exhibition with the late Clive Wainwright, Senior Research Fellow in 19th Century Studies at the V&A, will speak to the AGM of the Pugin Society in December.
Three years in preparation the exhibition ran from June to September 1994, attracting more than 74,000 visitors and wide press coverage. It was followed in the winter of 1995-1996 by AWN Pugin: Master of Gothic Revival an exhibition at the Bard Center, New York, also curated by Paul Atterbury.
Catriona Blaker, co-founder of the Pugin Society, said “We are delighted that Paul Atterbury has agreed to talk about the major exhibition which made so many people more aware of Pugin. Held before the Landmark Trust’s restoration of The Grange, Pugin’s house in Ramsgate, and before the formation of the Pugin Society the exhibition was a real trailblazer which led to an unimaginable advance in understanding of all Pugin stood for.”
Paul Atterbury, a freelance writer and lecturer specialising in 19th and 20th century art and design, formerly adviser to Royal Doulton and editor of Connoisseur magazine, has been part of the Antiques Roadshow team of experts for 29 years.
His books include: English Pottery and Porcelain,The Dictionary of Minton (With Maureen Batkin,) Art Deco Patterns, Twentieth Century Ceramics, Discovering Britain’s Lost Railways and the First World War in 100 Family Treasures.
Looking back on his time preparing the exhibition he said he was astounded by Pugin’s productivity, and influence. “As I came to understand this largely forgotten man, I realised he was one of the key designers on the 19th century. Much of Britain reflects his influence.”
The guide, Pugin: A Gothic Passion published by the V&A, in conjunction with Yale University Press, to coincide with the 1994 exhibition, is still available from Abe books. Edited by Paul Atterbury and Clive Wainwright and highly illustrated it includes chapters by Margaret Belcher, David Meara, Roderick O’Donnell, Stanley Shepherd and Alexandra Wedgwood.
The AGM of the Pugin Society will be held on Saturday December 7th at the Art Workers’ Guild, Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT, starting at 12pm.
His books include: English Pottery and Porcelain,The Dictionary of Minton (With Maureen Batkin,) Art Deco Patterns, Twentieth Century Ceramics, Discovering Britain’s Lost Railways and the First World War in 100 Family Treasures.
Looking back on his time preparing the exhibition he said he was astounded by Pugin’s productivity, and influence. “As I came to understand this largely forgotten man, I realised he was one of the key designers on the 19th century. Much of Britain reflects his influence.”
The guide, Pugin: A Gothic Passion published by the V&A, in conjunction with Yale University Press, to coincide with the 1994 exhibition, is still available from Abe books. Edited by Paul Atterbury and Clive Wainwright and highly illustrated it includes chapters by Margaret Belcher, David Meara, Roderick O’Donnell, Stanley Shepherd and Alexandra Wedgwood.
The AGM of the Pugin Society will be held on Saturday December 7th at the Art Workers’ Guild, Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT, starting at 12pm.
St Edwards Rusholme threated with closure
Designed by E. W. Pugin in 1862, the church is facing closure. As the church is of significant historical, religious, cultural and social value to the community, a petition has been established and while it doesn't originate with the Pugin Society, we support the efforts to keep this building open. Please consider showing your support by signing HERE. Alternately, you may also contact the Bishop of Salford, the Right Reverend John Arnold at bishop@dioceseofsalford.org.uk and copy the email to the Vicar General, Rev Mgr John Daly at john.daly@dioceseofsalford.org.uk. If you prefer to write a letter, the postal address is Wardley Hall, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2ND.
Designed by E. W. Pugin in 1862, the church is facing closure. As the church is of significant historical, religious, cultural and social value to the community, a petition has been established and while it doesn't originate with the Pugin Society, we support the efforts to keep this building open. Please consider showing your support by signing HERE. Alternately, you may also contact the Bishop of Salford, the Right Reverend John Arnold at bishop@dioceseofsalford.org.uk and copy the email to the Vicar General, Rev Mgr John Daly at john.daly@dioceseofsalford.org.uk. If you prefer to write a letter, the postal address is Wardley Hall, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2ND.
Edward Pugin's Granville House under threat from developers
Edward Pugin supporters and enthusiasts will be interested to hear that the Granville Bars, last remaining public section of Pugin's Granville House, formerly the Granville Hotel, in Ramsgate was recently acquired at auction for £310,000. They will be alarmed to learn that the purchaser hopes to convert this part of the building, including its extensive basement, into flats. Planning application has not yet been sought, but the plans, which have been displayed to residents, have been seen by local members of the Pugin Society committee. They are not appropriate for the character and historic use of such a significant building, listed Grade Two and of great architectural and historical importance. Of particular concern is the intention to divide Edward Pugin's great dining hall, with its extant decorative ceiling and great Gothic fireplace, into three apartments. The plans run counter to the whole spirit and nature of the building, which is a landmark in the town. Watch this space for further update.
Edward Pugin supporters and enthusiasts will be interested to hear that the Granville Bars, last remaining public section of Pugin's Granville House, formerly the Granville Hotel, in Ramsgate was recently acquired at auction for £310,000. They will be alarmed to learn that the purchaser hopes to convert this part of the building, including its extensive basement, into flats. Planning application has not yet been sought, but the plans, which have been displayed to residents, have been seen by local members of the Pugin Society committee. They are not appropriate for the character and historic use of such a significant building, listed Grade Two and of great architectural and historical importance. Of particular concern is the intention to divide Edward Pugin's great dining hall, with its extant decorative ceiling and great Gothic fireplace, into three apartments. The plans run counter to the whole spirit and nature of the building, which is a landmark in the town. Watch this space for further update.
St Alban's Restoration Project Update and Heritage Website
The first phase of the restoration programme at St Alban’s, Macclesfield, is reaching completion. Designed by Pugin in 1838 and built between 1839-1841, recent inspection reports of the Grade II* listed building noted several concerns, including rotted roof timbers, inadequate drainage, and damp. With repair costs estimated at £300,000, the parish received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Churches Trust, and Shrewsbury Diocese alongside fundraising efforts within the parish community. We are pleased to share a link to the heritage and restoration website, located HERE, which features details of the project and a Virtual Tour.
The first phase of the restoration programme at St Alban’s, Macclesfield, is reaching completion. Designed by Pugin in 1838 and built between 1839-1841, recent inspection reports of the Grade II* listed building noted several concerns, including rotted roof timbers, inadequate drainage, and damp. With repair costs estimated at £300,000, the parish received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the National Churches Trust, and Shrewsbury Diocese alongside fundraising efforts within the parish community. We are pleased to share a link to the heritage and restoration website, located HERE, which features details of the project and a Virtual Tour.
Parliamentary vacancy in Heritage may be of interest to Pugin aficionados
The Houses of Parliament has recently advertised an opening for the Head of Heritage Collections. The advertisement states that applicants "will be an expert in the field of Victorian art and design and collection management who use their specialist knowledge to represent and promote Parliament’s heritage collections" which include "furniture, decorative arts, library holdings, wallpapers and architectural fabric" - all areas for which Pugin was highly involved. Although a specific knowledge of Pugin is not required for the job, it is our opinion that the ideal candidate would be aware of and sympathetic to Pugin's importance at the Palace, and we urge any of our readers who are qualified in these areas to apply and ensure that Pugin's contributions do not go unappreciated. For more information about the role, view the job listing HERE.
The Houses of Parliament has recently advertised an opening for the Head of Heritage Collections. The advertisement states that applicants "will be an expert in the field of Victorian art and design and collection management who use their specialist knowledge to represent and promote Parliament’s heritage collections" which include "furniture, decorative arts, library holdings, wallpapers and architectural fabric" - all areas for which Pugin was highly involved. Although a specific knowledge of Pugin is not required for the job, it is our opinion that the ideal candidate would be aware of and sympathetic to Pugin's importance at the Palace, and we urge any of our readers who are qualified in these areas to apply and ensure that Pugin's contributions do not go unappreciated. For more information about the role, view the job listing HERE.
BBC rebroadcasts Pugin: God's Own Architect
BBC 4 has decided to once again air Pugin: God's Own Architect, a 2012 documentary that surveys Pugin's work and features various Pugin experts and society members. The BBC offers the following summary:
"Augustus Northmore Welby Pugin is far from being a household name, yet he designed the iconic clock tower of Big Ben as well as much of the Palace of Westminster. The 19th-century Gothic revival that Pugin inspired, with its medieval influences and soaring church spires, established an image of Britain which still defines the nation. Richard Taylor charts Pugin's extraordinary life story and discovers how his work continues to influence Britain today."
The program is available online for a limited amount of time and is restricted to UK viewers only, but one of our facebook followers mentioned that the programme is always available to a worldwide audience on YouTube. The programme is divided into four 15-minute segments which can be viewed at the following links:
Part 1 - https://youtu.be/WevOim4F3dk
Part 2 - https://youtu.be/sWchXRp4E7Q
Part 3 - https://youtu.be/m60TGUjrGmE
Part 4 - https://youtu.be/K5F1zYJTq9c
BBC 4 has decided to once again air Pugin: God's Own Architect, a 2012 documentary that surveys Pugin's work and features various Pugin experts and society members. The BBC offers the following summary:
"Augustus Northmore Welby Pugin is far from being a household name, yet he designed the iconic clock tower of Big Ben as well as much of the Palace of Westminster. The 19th-century Gothic revival that Pugin inspired, with its medieval influences and soaring church spires, established an image of Britain which still defines the nation. Richard Taylor charts Pugin's extraordinary life story and discovers how his work continues to influence Britain today."
The program is available online for a limited amount of time and is restricted to UK viewers only, but one of our facebook followers mentioned that the programme is always available to a worldwide audience on YouTube. The programme is divided into four 15-minute segments which can be viewed at the following links:
Part 1 - https://youtu.be/WevOim4F3dk
Part 2 - https://youtu.be/sWchXRp4E7Q
Part 3 - https://youtu.be/m60TGUjrGmE
Part 4 - https://youtu.be/K5F1zYJTq9c
Channel 4's Big Ben: Countdown to New Year examines restoration progress
The Elizabeth Tower, aka Big Ben, is currently clad in scaffolding and largely hidden, so what exactly is going on behind this metal skeleton? Dr. Anna Keay, Director of the Landmark Trust, revisits this topic in a follow up to a November 2017 episode on this same topic.
The second episode of a three-part documentary series goes behind-the-scenes as Dr Keay visits specialists to examine the restoration processes taking place across the country. Alas,if you missed the original air date the episode is no longer available online. We will let readers know should it appear on an alterative source such as YouTube. In the meantime, Parliamentary Media Office has released a teaser/summary of the episode which can be found HERE.
The Elizabeth Tower, aka Big Ben, is currently clad in scaffolding and largely hidden, so what exactly is going on behind this metal skeleton? Dr. Anna Keay, Director of the Landmark Trust, revisits this topic in a follow up to a November 2017 episode on this same topic.
The second episode of a three-part documentary series goes behind-the-scenes as Dr Keay visits specialists to examine the restoration processes taking place across the country. Alas,if you missed the original air date the episode is no longer available online. We will let readers know should it appear on an alterative source such as YouTube. In the meantime, Parliamentary Media Office has released a teaser/summary of the episode which can be found HERE.
“I live in hope but this job pays worse than the worst job I ever had” Previously unpublished letters highlight the financial difficulties Pugin endured working on the Palace of Westminster. by Joanna Lyall • November 8, 2018
Previously unpublished letters written by Pugin in the last eight years of his life shed new light on his relationship with Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Palace of Westminster, and the financial stresses of their collaboration.
Covering the period 1844 to Pugin’s death in 1852, the letters are published in True Principles, the journal of the Pugin Society. They were produced by the Barry family in 2015 and bought by the Parliamentary Archives.
In her introduction, Margaret Belcher, who edited five volumes of Pugin’s letters before her death in November 2016, writes: “The collaboration between Pugin and Barry was one of the most important architectural partnerships of the nineteenth century yet strikingly little is known about the daily dealings of the two men. “Few though these letters may be among the hundreds that must have passed between them, they set forth Pugin’s attitude to Barry with greater clarity than has been available before.”
While Pugin shows consistent respect for Barry, describing himself as “a most faithful Lieuten it is clear that agreements on expenses are not adhered to. “Although Pugin asks and argues for reimbursement time and again, it is delayed, insufficient, grudging – if forthcoming at all,” Belcher writes. “It is plain Barry took advantage of Pugin’s generosity.”
In a letter, thought to been written in May 1846, discussing the design for the throne in the House of Lords, Pugin mentions the difficulties of having to advance expenses to craftsmen, and says: “I live in hope but this job pays worse than the worst job I ever had.”
“You know I am not an unreasonable man & I am most anxious to carry out all your ideas but I must consider my own interest a little & when I come to reckon up the time expended & the returns they are very unsatisfactory.”
In another letter Pugin says: “The work I do for you is very difficult & harassing & does not provide even a decent remuneration” Barry would be doing him a favour to let him give up, Pugin suggests.
In a letter from his home in Ramsgate, thought to have been written in January 1848, Pugin says: “I cannot find money for the government, if they do not place proper funds at your disposal it is not my fault. I am out of all heart. I do nothing but pay and work & it is enough to dishearten anybody.”
In the last letter in the special edition of True Principles, edited by David Frazer Lewis, with notes by Alexandra Wedgwood, Pugin taunts Barry for holding out hopes of payment which does not materialise and jokes that Barry he may be haunted by visions of unpaid expenses. “But I am afraid your heart is steeled to Supernatural influence.”
A list of expenses, thought to have been sent to Barry in January 1852, nine months before Pugin’s death, covers 67 items including chandeliers, ceiling lights, railings, bell pulls, brackets and ironwork and demonstrates the immense amount of work he continued to do on the Palace of Westminster up to his final breakdown.
“It is plain that Barry took advantage of Pugin’s generosity. Pugin could have refused to make more drawings, yet it was not in his nature to either give up or drive a hard bargain.” Margaret Belcher concluded.
“Barry was the steely ambitious one: he continues to call for designs, apparently knowing that Pugin will not be paid for them; he does not emerge from these letters as the more attractive character. His justification for such unworthy treatment lay in his determination to secure for his country the best possible building to be obtained from the resources at his command.”
Previously unpublished letters written by Pugin in the last eight years of his life shed new light on his relationship with Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Palace of Westminster, and the financial stresses of their collaboration.
Covering the period 1844 to Pugin’s death in 1852, the letters are published in True Principles, the journal of the Pugin Society. They were produced by the Barry family in 2015 and bought by the Parliamentary Archives.
In her introduction, Margaret Belcher, who edited five volumes of Pugin’s letters before her death in November 2016, writes: “The collaboration between Pugin and Barry was one of the most important architectural partnerships of the nineteenth century yet strikingly little is known about the daily dealings of the two men. “Few though these letters may be among the hundreds that must have passed between them, they set forth Pugin’s attitude to Barry with greater clarity than has been available before.”
While Pugin shows consistent respect for Barry, describing himself as “a most faithful Lieuten it is clear that agreements on expenses are not adhered to. “Although Pugin asks and argues for reimbursement time and again, it is delayed, insufficient, grudging – if forthcoming at all,” Belcher writes. “It is plain Barry took advantage of Pugin’s generosity.”
In a letter, thought to been written in May 1846, discussing the design for the throne in the House of Lords, Pugin mentions the difficulties of having to advance expenses to craftsmen, and says: “I live in hope but this job pays worse than the worst job I ever had.”
“You know I am not an unreasonable man & I am most anxious to carry out all your ideas but I must consider my own interest a little & when I come to reckon up the time expended & the returns they are very unsatisfactory.”
In another letter Pugin says: “The work I do for you is very difficult & harassing & does not provide even a decent remuneration” Barry would be doing him a favour to let him give up, Pugin suggests.
In a letter from his home in Ramsgate, thought to have been written in January 1848, Pugin says: “I cannot find money for the government, if they do not place proper funds at your disposal it is not my fault. I am out of all heart. I do nothing but pay and work & it is enough to dishearten anybody.”
In the last letter in the special edition of True Principles, edited by David Frazer Lewis, with notes by Alexandra Wedgwood, Pugin taunts Barry for holding out hopes of payment which does not materialise and jokes that Barry he may be haunted by visions of unpaid expenses. “But I am afraid your heart is steeled to Supernatural influence.”
A list of expenses, thought to have been sent to Barry in January 1852, nine months before Pugin’s death, covers 67 items including chandeliers, ceiling lights, railings, bell pulls, brackets and ironwork and demonstrates the immense amount of work he continued to do on the Palace of Westminster up to his final breakdown.
“It is plain that Barry took advantage of Pugin’s generosity. Pugin could have refused to make more drawings, yet it was not in his nature to either give up or drive a hard bargain.” Margaret Belcher concluded.
“Barry was the steely ambitious one: he continues to call for designs, apparently knowing that Pugin will not be paid for them; he does not emerge from these letters as the more attractive character. His justification for such unworthy treatment lay in his determination to secure for his country the best possible building to be obtained from the resources at his command.”
