Ever wondered what style of architecture the famous Houses of Parliament in London were? Well, now you know. The Victorian Academic Gothic was popularised by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and John Ruskin. The former was a staunch supporter and evangelist of all things Gothic. To Pugin, the only form of true architecture possible in a Christian country was Gothic. He spent much of his life studying Gothic architecture, illustrating Gothic architecture and convincing others it was the only style suitable for the expression of grand designs. The list of his public and ecclesiastical buildings is long and impressive. In Australia his one famous design was the St Francis Xavier’s Church in Berrima NSW.

Another person who was also instrumental in popularising the Victorian Academic Gothic was John Ruskin a writer who was very closely influenced by the philosophies and illustrations of Pugin.

In Australia however, the main notaries of the style, were William Wardell and Edmund Blacket. Wardell is celebrated for his design of St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral in Melbourne and St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Sydney. Blacket was known for his design of The University of Sydney buildings and St Andrew’s Anglican Cathedral in Sydney.

Victorian Academic Gothic was not solely restricted to its expression via Churches and Cathedrals, but indeed, that is how the style is predominantly remembered. It is a testament to this style of building and design that we still use, admire and appreciate these magnificent structures.

The sophisticated symmetry of many of the other styles of architecture is not reflected in Victorian Academic Gothic – in fact one of its key features was its asymmetry couples with high towers with points and spires. The roofs were pitched high and were often adorned with spires, turrets and towers. There were also steep, pointed arches, buttresses and decorated masonry. Four centred arches were common as were wheel and rose windows.

View more images of the Victorian Academic Gothic style of architecture