Decorative paneling from the Palace of Westminster

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin

ca. 1845–59 · Oak · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

These decorative oak panels exemplify the designs of A.W.N Pugin, who was the leading exponent of the Gothic Revival style in England. Pugin’s work is central to the transformation in British design that began in the mid-nineteenth century. He admired what he saw as the honesty and purity of medieval art, and deplored the meaningless repetition of historical motifs. Pugin coined the phrase “Brumagen Gothic,” referring to “those inexhaustible mines of bad taste, Birmingham.” The carved oak panels for the Palace of Westminster were made for both the House of Lords and House of Commons and are just one component of a larger, Pugin-designed interior program, including brasswork (grill panels, large doors, candelabra and other light fixtures, hardware, and gallery railings), stained glass, tiles, and furniture. These panels are executed in Pugin’s interpretation of the Gothic Revival and feature several different patterns inspired by medieval tracery and linen fold patterns.

Artist

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin

Date

ca. 1845–59

Medium

Oak

Culture

British, probably London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, The James Parker Charitable Foundation and Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts, and funds from various donors, 2015