locovisual: old saint paul's

Old Saint Paul's Cathedral, Wellington, New Zealand.

interior. (New Zealand Historic Places Trust, 2008)

Old Saint Paul's Cathedral, Wellington, proudly showcases key elements of Gothic revival design. The overall design creates a strong moral code, perfectly depicting the true essence of the style. 

Old Saint Paul's was built in 1866 and was designed by Frederick Thatcher. As Gothic revival increased in popularity in the 19th Century, the style was "identified with a stable and uncorrupted society" (Gere & Whiteway, 1994). The church is made out of native woods such as Totara, Rimu, Matai and Kauri. Wood was used in Gothic revival to produce a stable and durable structure which then reflects these qualities upon society. According to Kenneth Clark, this theme of grandness was carried by the pointed roofs and high arches which create a connection to the heavens (1974, p. 94). 

stained glass windows depict biblical stories.
(123RF, 2011)

The Gothic revival style is carried throughout the building in a variety of ways. Adorned with quatrefoils and trefoils, key elements of the design symbolising unity, the church exhibits how simple ornamentation was used in an honest way. John Ruskin, critic of Gothic revival, interpreted the style to be honest and well built and this is communicated in the direct and functional structure of the church which is true to its colonies materials and still intricately crafted  (2003). David Kernohan describes the churches design as "magnificent, like the upturned hill  of a galleon" (McLean, 2002, p. 76).

Furthermore, Old Saint Paul's is decorated with symbols which celebrate Wellington's history. Stained glass windows depict biblical scenes and comemorate former parishioners while dedications to soldiers of the 20th Century wars are splayed inside the interior walls (Moore, 1970). These tributes to those who have influenced Wellington in this exemplary display of the beautiful style, makes Old Saint Paul's an important part of Wellington and New Zealand architecture. 

Reference List:

   123RF. (2011) Stained Glass Window - Old St. Paul's, Wellington, New Zealand. Retrieved from  http://www.123rf.com/photo_3599761_stained-glass-window--old-st-paul-s-wellington-new-zealand.html

   Clark, Kenneth. (1974). The Gothic revival : an essay on the history of taste (4^th ed). London, England: John Murray.

   Gere, C., & Whiteway. (1994).  M. Nineteenth Century Design From Pugin to Mackintosh. New York, United States of America: Harry N. Abrams, Incorporated.

   John Ruskin. (2003) "The Nature of Gothic," excerpted in Gorman, C. The Industrial Design Reader (pp.18-20). New York, United States of America: Allworth Press.

   McLean, Gavin. (2002) 100 Historic Places in New Zealand. Auckland, New Zealand: Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Ltd.

   Moore, Dallas. (1970)  Old St. Paul's: the first hundred years. Wellington,  New Zealand: A R. Shearer, Government Printer. 

   New Zealand Historic Places Trust Pouhere Taonga. (2008) Old St. Paul's - history. Retrieved from http://www.historicplaces.org.nz/en/placesToVisit/lowerNorthIsland/oldStPauls/history.aspx