National Gallery London Architecture
The National Gallery in London is a stunning example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture. Designed by William Wilkins, the building was completed in 1838 and features a harmonious blend of Greek and Roman architectural styles. The facade is adorned with numerous columns, pediments, and a grand entrance portico that gives the building its iconic appearance.
The National Gallery was established in 1824 and was initially part of the King's College. In the middle of the 19th century, a competition was held to design a new building to accommodate the growing collection of paintings. Wilkins was awarded the contract and construction began in 1832. The new building was completed six years later. It has been home of the National Gallery London, ever since.
Over the years, the National Gallery has undergone several renovations and extensions, including the Sainsbury’s wing. A modernist addition designed by Norman Foster in 1991. Today, the National Gallery is one of the most visited art museums in the world and continues to inspire visitors with its magnificent architecture and exceptional collection of paintings.
The National Gallery London is a prime example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture, a building style that was popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The style is characterised by its revival of the classical forms and motifs. This architectural style drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It often features grand facades with symmetrical arrangements of columns and pediments, as well as simple, yet elegant, interiors.
In the case of the National Gallery, the building's facade is dominated by a grand entrance portico, featuring a row of Ionic columns. The use of Ionic columns, with their distinctive scrolling capitals, was a hallmark of neoclassical architecture, with the intension of conveying a sense of classical grandeur and refinement.
The building's material palette is also typical of neoclassical architecture, with the use of stone and marble to create a harmonious and imposing appearance. The stone used in the original construction was Portland stone. A type of limestone quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England, that was prized for its fine grain and uniform colour, making it an ideal material for architectural purposes.
The National Gallery London's neoclassical architecture, including its harmonious blend of Greek and Roman architectural styles, its use of Ionic columns, and its choice of materials, make it a prime example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture and a testament to the enduring appeal of classical forms and motifs.
William Wilkins
William Wilkins (1778 to1839) was an English architect who was influential in the early 19th century. He was born in Wymondham, Norfolk, the son of a solicitor. Wilkins attended the Royal Academy Schools from 1796, and was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1808.
Wilkins is best known for his design of the National Gallery in London, which he was appointed to design in 1832. He also designed the adjacent buildings to the National Gallery, including the north and south wings and the portico. His design for the National Gallery combined the classical Greek and Roman style with the Gothic revival style. He was also responsible for the design of Downing College, Cambridge and the University of London's main building in 1828.
Wilkins designed many other buildings in England, including the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in East Malling, Kent, the Church of St. Swithin in Birmingham, and St. John's College, Cambridge. He also designed several private residences, including Stansted Park in Sussex and Brocklesbury Park in Shropshire.
Wilkins was a founding member of the Architects' Club in 1825. He was a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London, and was an active supporter of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
He was also a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and served as its President from 1830 to 1832. Wilkins was a prolific writer; publishing works such as The Antiquities of Magna Graecia and The Antiquities of Athens. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of historic buildings, and was the first president of the Society of Dilettanti in 1813.
Wilkins died in 1839. He was buried in the Church of St. Mary, Wimpole Street, London. He left behind an impressive legacy of work, including many of London's most iconic buildings. His influence on English architecture was significant and he is remembered as one of the most influential architects of the early 19th century.
Norman Foster
Norman Foster (born 1935) is an English architect who is one of the most influential architects of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He was born in Manchester, and studied architecture at Manchester University and Yale University. The modernist addition to the National Gallery was designed by Norman Foster in 1991.
Foster is best known for his iconic designs, including the Millau Viaduct in France and the Hearst Tower in New York City. He is also known for his award-winning designs of the Gherkin in London, and the City Hall in London. Other notable works include the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, the Reichstag in Berlin and the Beijing International Airport.
Foster has been awarded numerous awards for his work, including the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture in 1983, the Praemium Imperiale for Architecture in 2002, and the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1999. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and made a life peer in the House of Lords in 1999.
Foster is a strong advocate for sustainable architecture, with many of his buildings being designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. He is also a strong believer in the power of technology to create better, more efficient buildings.
Foster continues to be a leader in the field of architecture, inspiring generations of architects to think outside the box and find new ways of creating innovative, sustainable designs. He is a living testament to the power of design to make a lasting impact on the world.
Sainsbury Extension
The Sainsbury Extension, designed by Norman Foster in 1991 for the National Gallery in London, is a modernist building that connects the National Gallery to the National Portrait Gallery. The building features a series of angular, curved forms that create a contrast between the traditional, classical architecture of the National Gallery and the modern, cutting-edge design of the extension. The building is clad in a combination of metal and glass, creating a light and airy atmosphere that allows natural light to flood into the building. Inside, the space is organised around a central atrium, with galleries that lead off. The extension also includes a cafe and a shop, as well as an auditorium and a lecture space. The building is a testament to Foster's innovative vision, and has become an iconic part of London's architectural landscape.
Architects' Club
The Architects' Club was founded in 1825 by William Wilkins, who was the first President of the Club. The Club was created to promote the exchange of ideas and knowledge amongst architects, particularly those working in London. The Club quickly became a hub for the architectural community in London, with many prominent architects becoming members. These included Sir John Soane, Sir Charles Barry, Sir Robert Smirke, and Augustus Pugin.
The Club held regular meetings, which were often attended by prominent architects, including thinkers of the day. These meetings allowed members to discuss topics such as architecture, design, and the appreciation of the arts. The Club also held lectures and exhibitions, which were open to the public.
The Architects' Club was a vital part of the architectural community in London. Its influence was felt throughout the 19th century. It was a major force in the development of the Gothic revival style in architecture, and many of the architects associated with the Club went on to become some of the most influential architects of the time.
Interior
The National Gallery in London is composed of a number of different wings and extensions. The original building, designed by William Wilkins in the early 19th century, is a grand neoclassical building that features a large central hall and two flanking wings. The building was extended in the late 19th century with the Sainsbury Wing, designed by Robert Venturi, which features an enclosed glass atrium and a series of galleries. The East Wing, designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1876, was added to the original building in order to provide additional space for exhibitions.
The National Gallery also includes the Clore Gallery, a modernist building designed by James Stirling and completed in 1987, which houses the gallery's collection of 19th and 20th century art. The gallery also includes the Portico Galleries, which are located in the north and south wings of Wilkins' original building and feature a series of galleries showcasing the gallery's collection of Old Master paintings.
The Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery in London was designed by Robert Venturi in the late 19th century. The Sainsbury Extension, on the other hand, was designed by Norman Foster in 1991.
In total, the National Gallery features a variety of different architectural styles, ranging from the grand neoclassical style of Wilkins' original building to the modernist style of the Clore Gallery. The various wings and extensions of the gallery create a unique and diverse space that showcases the history of art and architecture in Britain. It is a testament to the skill of the architects and designers who have worked on the building, and demonstrates the importance of preserving historic buildings.
Drafted By Open AI ChatGPT and Edited by F McCullough, Copyright 2023 ©
National Gallery Architecture Poem
The National Gallery was built through the years,
By the hands of many an architect and designer's tears.
For the beauty of its grand facade,
To proudly stand and never fade.
William Wilkins was the first to lead,
The National Gallery's design to be decreed.
He crafted a neoclassical masterpiece,
That would become a source of grandeur and peace.
The Sainsbury Wing was then designed by Robert Venturi,
A modernist building that would be a perfect new entry.
The East Wing was then added by Sir Charles Barry,
A masterpiece of design that would never worry.
The Clore Gallery was built by James Stirling,
A modernist building that would be an awe-inspiring thing.
The Portico Galleries were then added to the sides,
To showcase the gallery's impressive art and pride.
The National Gallery stands proud and tall,
A testament to the architects who gave their all.
For the beauty of its grand facade,
That will never fade or be degraded.
Norman Foster was then given the task,
To design the Sainsbury Extension to bask.
He crafted a building with glass and metal,
Creating a light and airy atmosphere that was elemental.
The National Gallery is an awe-inspiring sight,
A testament to the architects of their time and of their might.
For their skill and dedication,
We are forever thankful for their grand creation.
Thank you for your admiration,
For the beauty of this grand nation.
The National Gallery was created with skill and care,
And will continue to stand tall and fair.
Poem by Open AI ChatGPT, Edited by, and on a Theme and Style created by F McCullough, Copyright 2023 ©
Concorde Silhouette
Acrylic Collage
F McCullough © 2023
Images
- The National Gallery London Portico Façade Artwork based on Photograph by F McCullough © 2023
- Image 2 The Front Facade The National Gallery London Photograph 2015 Copyright by F McCullough © 2023
- Image 3 The Dome and Front Facade The National Gallery London Photograph 2015 Copyright by F McCullough © 2023
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Table
Of Contents
National
Gallery Architecture Poem
Keywords:
Architect, Architecture, Club, Design, Gallery, National, Norman Foster, Robert
Venturi, William Wilkins, Architects' Club, Clore Gallery, Commerzbank Tower,
Downing College, East Wing, Gherkin, Hearst Tower, Millau Viaduct, National
Gallery, Portico Galleries, Praemium Imperiale, Reichstag, Royal Gold Medal, Sainsbury
Extension, Sainsbury Wing, Society of Dilettanti, Society of Antiquaries,
University of London.
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