Peter Draper - The Formation of English Gothic
The Alice Davis Hitchcock Medallion for 2007 was awarded by the Society of Architectural Historians to Peter Draper for his book, The Formation of English Gothic: Architecture and Identity published for the Paul Mellon Centre by Yale University Press in 2006.
This is a magisterial study of the origins of the quintessentially English style – or styles – of gothic architecture that emerged during the ‘Transitional’ and ‘Early Gothic’ periods, between c.1150 and c.1250. Rather than studying individual monuments in chronological succession, Peter Draper has adopted a challenging approach that is particularly refreshing for the reader. He has chosen to focus on broad issues, often contentious issues, that can sometimes be neglected by architectural historians. In particular, he analyses the multiple factors that came into play in the creation of English gothic buildings (ie: cathedrals, parish churches and secular buildings), assessing the continuity of earlier traditions, the impact of French gothic, the influence of the liturgy and the considerations of patrons. He reaches the fascinating conclusion that the buildings of this period reflect a emerging sense of national identity.
The judging panel found this to be a sage and balanced study, and was particularly impressed by the proper recognition given by the author to the crucial role of patronage, and the social milieu in which buildings were produced. Draper’s critical review of the historiography of the subject was deemed of particular value. The excellent standard of production of this book, and the quantity and quality of its illustrations, was also commended.
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