19.10.2017, 19:00 P.M.
The Cottage Orné is a uniquely picturesque architectural genre which flourished in the British Isles at the end of 18th and the start of the 19th century. Renowned architectural and garden historian and IGS member Roger White will discuss cottages ornés, to coincide with the publication of his book, ‘Cottages ornés: the Charms of the Simple Life’, the first ever study of these charming buildings. In a richly illustrated lecture he will cover their architectural history: leading architects like Robert Adam, John Nash and John Soane all produced cottage designs. Cottages ornés came in all shapes and sizes, from the very grand like Royal Lodge at Windsor to labourers’ dwellings that can still be seen in the countryside. Roger will also put them in their social and cultural context. He will include some good Irish examples, of which Swiss Cottage in Cahir is the best known.
Roger White is an erudite and entertaining lecturer, with an encyclopedic knowledge of country houses in the UK and Ireland. He was secretary of the Georgian Group for many years. Since then, he has had an eclectic career encompassing leadership of architectural tours in UK, Ireland and abroad, book reviews, a column in a glossy magazine and authorship of articles and books. Courtesy of the conservation architectural practice Donald Insall Associates, our first Autumn lecture will be held in their Central London office, 12 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 7AB. Doors open at 6.30pm, with wine served on the first floor. The lecture starts at 7.00pm and will last approximately one hour, with a further 20 minutes for questions.
Copies of the book will also be available for purchase. The lecture costs £15 per person (YIGs £10). If you would like to attend, please send your completed application form and cheque to Robert Jennings.