The Formation of Modernism

Horace Walpole, Strawberry Hill (1749-1776) Twickenham

Within my past blogs I have referred to the fact that I have included several different types of art, and the next era of art that I want to tell you all about is known as Modernism. This period of time occurred after the Post-Impressionism Movement, and it was a period of time where the boundaries of art was being broken down. An artist did not have a limited focus or them and were free to explore many different mediums and forms. According to huntfor.com, “The term Modernism applied retrospectively to the wide range of experimental and avant-garde trends in the arts that emerged from the middle of the 19th century, as artists rebelled against traditional Historicism, and later through 20th century as the necessity of an individual rejecting previous tradition, and by creating individual, original techniques.” Thus, I have decided to focus today’s blog on the beautiful architecture of Strawberry Hill in Twickenham.

The architecture seen in this piece is almost gothic and traditional at the same time, however, it became a sensational design that became popular throughout the area. Horace Walpole’s home was the earliest large-scale example of the Gothic Revival in England. Strawberry Hill was a small suburban area that consisted of many little shops that were supported and maintained by the Strawberry Hill Railroad Station. “The original owner had named the house “Chopped Straw Hall”, but Walpole wanted it to be called something more distinctive and after finding an old lease that described his land as “Strawberry Hill Shot”, he adopted this name, according to wikipedia.com. The Strawberry Hill Railroad Station is an example of the movement from very historical and traditional architecture to more modern architecture.

Strawberry Hill Railroad Station
London, England

Strawberry Hill Railroad Station
London, England

The Strawberry Hill House is very detailed and beautifully designed. It exhibits the country home-look with its large, green lawn and garden-like area. I like the uniqueness of the external perspective seen by a person passing by. The Gothic architecture was a large part of the beginning of modernism in England, especially London. Although the Strawberry Hill Railroad Station does not exhibit Gothic architecture, it reveals the historical aspect of the city of Twickenham in England. Overall, this type of architecture is seen more and more throughout the rest of the late 1800′s and even some into the 1900′s. The formation of modernism began through many forms of architecture, music, and religion. The Strawberry Hill House is just an example of the development of modernism.

I hope you have enjoyed viewing this piece as much as I have – although it is much better in person! If you have anything you would like to say please feel free to leave your comments below!

Thank you for reading!

-Gallery 9310, The Owner