Humphry Repton and the Architects

Thompson, Michael (2024) Humphry Repton and the Architects. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to consider the work of Humphry Repton in relation to the development of his understanding of architectural style and theory, and how this was applied through his commissions and published works from when he made the decision to become a Landscape Gardener in 1788.By assessing the development of architecture and architects as a profession from the time of Inigo Jones, promoting and developing the works of Palladio and others, up to the period at the end of the eighteenth century it will be shown there was significant change in architectural style taking place in Britain prior to Repton embarking on his new vocation. Change that, as will be shown, Repton was a keen student of and that would help form some of his theories the development of architecture.
By an analysis of Repton’s works as an illustrator that were further employed in his trademark Red Books and published works, he developed an understanding of architectural style, and it will be seen this became an increased part of his work. Through this work with a number of architects, that involved partnerships, both formal and informal with three individuals, it will be shown that Repton became well versed in architecture. From this Repton developed, through his works, a reasoned discussion on Classical (Grecian) and Gothic forms that would become a theme through his works. Drawing together elements from these works it will be shown that Repton formed a detailed and considered classification of the development of architectural style and in particular Gothic, as its use became more widely accepted at the end of the eighteenth and into the nineteenth century. This, it will be shown places Repton, alongside some of the architects he worked with and his son John, at the forefront of the Gothic Revival.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of History
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	03 Jul 2024 07:10
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2024 07:10
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/95769
DOI:

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