IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A

Abstract

The extend of neoclassical influences in Manchester’s Architecture, in 18th -19th centuries, is in at an unprecedented scale. The proposed research paper aspires to enhance our knowledge and understanding of how neoclassical style was integrated into the industrial city’s urban fabric. The research focuses on the quality of the craftmanship, and the quantity of distinguished neoclassical buildings. Manchester was well-known for the ‘Battles of Styles’ which was directly linked to its status as a protagonist in the First Industrial Revolution, a cotton industry centre, with a network of canals and warehouses used for international trade. Notable Architects, ‘scholars of neoclassicism’, such as Thomas Harrison, Charles Barry, Vincent Harris, Clegg and Knowles, were commissioned to design prominent buildings. This study aims to advance our understanding of how styles/trends manifest in Architecture within the local context. It aims to identify local distinctive characteristics, distinguish classical elements from those unique in the city, and understand similarities/differences, and origins. This paper aims to generate new knowledge on how Architects and craftsmen perceived and interpreted neoclassical influences, adding their own ‘trademark identity’ to create ‘impressive’ buildings. The research delves into the Place and its People’s history, the impact that these buildings had on the Society then, and their significance to Society now. Classical Civilization’s influences in Architecture, is a field of study that has been part of Architectural Education continuously, and will continue to be so in the future, due to a revived interest beyond the boundaries of Europe and USA, the well-known neoclassical hubs.