The Georgian Group was founded in 1937 to save Georgian buildings, monuments, parks and gardens from destruction or disfigurement and where necessary, to encourage their appropriate repair or restoration. It also aims to stimulate public knowledge of Georgian architecture, town planning, and of Georgian taste in the decorative arts, design and craftsmanship.

It is a registered charity (no. 209934), a National Amenity Society for England and Wales with grants from central government and a Statutory Consultee on alterations to listed Georgian buildings involving demolition and alteration as legislated in the 1971 Town & Country Planning Act.

The Georgian era, nominally from 1714-1837, saw the construction of some of our greatest buildings, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Somerset House and country houses of the grandeur of Blenheim Palace. Today there are also thousands of smaller surviving Georgian houses in our towns and cities. In general, buildings of this period display similar characteristics, aesthetically pleasing symmetry and meticulous attention to detail. Many features of this era are promoted by today’s construction industry in response to the popularity of period style property for new build or refurbishment.

The early Georgian years were dominated by the style of the Italian architect, Andrea Palladio, inspired by classical Roman and Greek architecture. From the 1760’s, the neo-classical style of the Adam Brothers became fashionable. Bold, austere features were replaced by more elaborate and intricate designs. Finally, during the Regency period from 1811-1830, a more casual, less formal style became popular.

Examples include Roman columns, arch-topped venetian windows, classical motifs and imagery, sweeping staircase halls, pointed casement windows, parapets, counter-weighted sash windows, wrought iron balconies and verandas, parquet wooden floors and highly decorated ceilings with relief plasterwork. Georgian fireplaces became world famous. Colour and patterns changed dramatically with the introduction of pastel paints and by the end of the eighteenth century, luxury wallpapers were imported from China.

The Georgian Magazine

For further details about the Georgian Group please see their website: www.georgiangroup.org.uk