LANCASTER IN STYLE, PART 20: TUDOR REVIVAL, 1895-1945
Apparently, some revival styles don’t need to be revived. Tudor Revival is one of them. It never grows old or, seemingly, falls out of favor; its charm and allure appear to be timeless.
Perhaps the most recognizable of the revival styles, Tudor is also one of the most romantic styles. Characterized by steeply pitched, gabled roofs, prominent corbelled brick chimneys topped with clay pots, half-timber construction, red brick walls and bow windows with leaded glass, its stylized medieval details continue to draw the attention of passersby.
The nomenclature Tudor refers to the British Tudor royal dynasty that was in power between 1485 and 1603. Noted figures include King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. It was during this period in history that the architectural characteristics of the style emerged. The late 1800s saw a renewed interest in the features that were common 300 years earlier. British architect Richard Norman Shaw and designer William Morris began the revival movement.
Examples of Tudor Revival design in Lancaster [photos]
Tudor Revival design, featuring half-timber construction, was popular in the area from 1895-1945. Here are some examples of the design style in Lancaster.
This stone-and-brick Tudor displays half-timber construction and brick nogging.
This quintessential brick Tudor Revival home, set in lush landscaping, has an oriel window with leaded-glass, diamond-pattern panes and an imposing brick chimney.
This circa 1925 Tudor Revival house has an oriel window with diamond-pattern leaded glass.
The Herman A. Wohlsen mansion, in the 900 block of Buchanan Avenue, is a Lancaster example of the Tudor Revival style. Designed in 1922 by C. Emlen Urban, the Wohlsen mansion has half-timber detailing, decorative quatrefoil and a clay tile roof.
The Herman A. Wohlsen mansion, located at 930 Buchanan Ave., is a Lancaster example of the Tudor Revival style. Designed in 1922 by C. Emlen Urban, the Wohlsen mansion has half-timber detailing, decorative quatrefoil and a clay tile roof.
This Tudor Revival home, built circa 1930, shows design details including half-timber construction with knees, stucco nogging, quatrefoils and a clay tile roof.
This circa 1930 home features Tudor Revival details including half-timbering and pebble stucco nogging.
This Tudor Revival residence features half timbering with brick nogging, an oak front door and a segmental arched entry.
The 1932 Brecht Elementary School building, designed by Henry Y. Shaub, has half-timber construction and brick nogging. It displays elements of the Tudor Revival design style.
The Brecht Elementary School built in 1932 displays an elaborate brick chimney design with clay pots. Henry Y. Shaub was the architect.
Henry Y. Shaub designed this example of triplex housing, circa 1925, with half-timber construction, stucco nogging and knees.
The Christian Kunzler house, designed by C. Emlen Urban and built circa 1921, displays Tudor Revival details including half-timber detailing, stepped projected gable, cut-out shutters and a slate roof.
This brick-corbelled eave, featuring cut and dressed stone, can be seen at the Brecht Elementary School building constructed in 1932. Henry Shaub was the architect.
A massive brick chimney with clay chimney pots is indicative of Tudor Revival design.
The Christian Kunzler house, designed by C. Emlen Urban and built circa 1921, displays Tudor Revival details.
The signature look of half-timber construction associated with Tudor Revival evolved over the centuries from utilizing true mortise and tenon squared timber authentic construction to simply applying the “look” of half timber, referred to as “mock Tudor.” In either case, both techniques involved filling the voids between the timbers with something — typically brick, plaster or pebbled stones.
Roofs were clad in slate or clay tiles. Windows had a steel casement-style sash with leaded glass; front doors were solid oak or mahogany with hand-wrought iron hinges and hardware. The interiors featured dark wood floors, wood paneled or plastered walls and, in some cases, wood ceilings were used. The overall impression was dark.
The Tudor Revival style was typically reserved for multistory mansions, residences, resorts and hotels. Rarely was it applied to institutional structures such as banks, civic buildings and churches.
Although World War II brought an end to the aggressive use of Tudor Revival in the United States, it continues to be one of the more popular styles among homeowners today. I guess romance never gets old!
The Brecht Elementary School built in 1932 displays an elaborate brick chimney design with clay pots. Henry Y. Shaub was the architect.
Is there another name for Tudor Revival?
Yes. In Europe, it is referred to as Medieval Revival.
What is a “knee” in half-timber construction?
The knee refers to the curved diagonal member that crosses through the vertical members.
What is the difference between Tudor Revival Style and English Domestic Style?
Next month’s “Design Intervention” column will answer that question!
This column is contributed by Gregory J. Scott, FAIA, a local architect with more than four decades of national experience in innovation and design. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows. Email GScott@rlps.com.
