HERITAGE OTTAWA

Heritage Ottawa inaugurated its 2014 - 2015 Lecture Series this evening with a riveting and well received lecture on the topic of Gothic Revival architecture.

Dr. Timothy Brittain-Catlin of the University of Kent School of Architecture delivered an informative and entertaining presentation of the the pinwheel plan houses of A.W.N. Pugin, the 19th century architect regarded as the father of Gothic Revival. Pugin is best known for his churches and for the decoration of the Palace of Westminster, but perhaps had his greatest impact designing residences based on the "pinwheel plan" with rooms revolving around a central staircase hall. The pinwheel plan differered completely from any historic precedent and represented a revolution in residental architecture.

The lecture, held in the beautiful setting of St. Alban's Church, was the keynote address of a 2 day colloquium entitled "The Origins and Significance of Residential Gothic Architecture in Ottawa" co-sponsored by Heritage Ottawa, Carleton University, Pinhey's Point Foundation and the City of Ottawa. The colloquium included additional lectures, an exhibit, and tours of Ottawa's pinwheel plan houses including Earnscliffe. Read more about the colloquium here.

Heritage Ottawa has an exciting series of lectures scheduled for the 2014 - 2015 season. Please check our listings and join us at an upcoming event!