Conclusions

This part has examined the special influence of the Italian Renaissance on the development of building styles in Britain. The Renaissance represented a new beginning in architecture, a “rebirth”, and although Gothic had dominated ecclesiastical architecture in Britain, the influence of the Italian Renaissance began to emerge and the Gothic was pushed aside. The eighteenth century witnessed a period of improvement in prosperity in both rural and urban areas with Classical styles being adopted, reflecting the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome. During the Victorian era the boundaries of architectural styles became less clear as Gothic and Classical vied for prime position. The result was often complex and exuberant and distinctly Victorian. To some extent the revival theme was continued into the Edwardian period but, like the nineteenth century, was also influenced by the availability of new materials as well as new styles such as Art Nouveau. During the inter-war period the influence of jazz moderne and Art Deco themes left a legacy of daring and sleek designs, while post-war Britain has struggled to develop an architectural style of its own, although some of the new architecture typified by large public buildings such as the O₂ Dome and Scottish Parliament may prove to be iconic in future years.