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The contradictions and depth of Gothic Style

 

 

Far from a group that favoured dark colours, heavy eye makeup and vampire fanfiction, history’s original Goths were nomadic East Germanic people. Two subtribes, the Visigoths and Ostrogoths, played an instrumental role in the fall of the Roman Empire. At the height of their influence, the Goths controlled a vast section of eastern Europe, from the Don River in modern-day Russia to the Danube in the west, and from the Black Sea north to the Baltic.

 

 

However, when we talk about Gothic Style, little is attributed to these earlier people whose language was last spoken in the 1700s. What we now know as Gothic architecture traces back to 12th-century France, evolving from a Romanesque ancestry. Though Gothic Style featured intricate and ornate detailing, key principles of Gothic architecture originated for purely practical reasons.

Working with stone: the architectural history behind Gothic Style

 

 

Ironically, for a style that became connected with concepts of darkness, three key developments evolved to solve the problems that medieval stone masons faced in bringing lightness and elegance to their craft. Building techniques prior to the Gothic period were basic. Cathedrals and castles drew on the strength and versatility of stone, but pre-Gothic buildings were dark and damp, since the weight of stone and the rudimentary stone working skills of the day permitted little finesse.

The flying buttress

 

 

Stone is heavy. Building toward the heavens, an ecclesiastical ideal, wasn’t particularly effective with early stonework, since structures needed to be massive to support the weight of a rising building. Perhaps the defining element of Gothic architecture, the flying buttress helped transfer some of the weight of the heavy stone walls. Though this was entirely a practical design decision, the nature of the flying buttress created elegant, flowing arches that easily lent themselves to increasingly ornate treatment.

The pointed arch

 

 

Perhaps more universally adopted than the flying buttress, the pointed arch stemmed as a similar weight distribution solution which also resulted in a shape that was pleasing to the eye. Doors, passageways and windows featuring pointed arches are ubiquitous in church design of all post-Gothic eras. Again, this was another element contributing to solid building support while also allowing light and traffic, and simultaneously offering new opportunities for ornamentation.

The vaulted ceiling

 

 

There was no stopping the Gothic stone masons once they learned practical means of supporting the weight of stone while introducing grace and beauty to strength. Vaulted ceilings took elements of both the flying buttress and the pointed arch and combined them into a soaring and strong formation that lifted buildings upward, allowing large windows, natural light and open spaces.

Over the top and ornate: bringing Gothic Style inside

 

 

Arguably, the key elements of Gothic architecture inform other aspects of Gothic Style much more forcefully than similar elements of other design styles. While there are often similarities between architecture and ornamentation, such as the stark geometry of Art Deco in both buildings and cabinetry, the definitive shape of the pointed arch is a motif that features frequently in virtually all areas of Gothic Style.

 

 

Similarly, furniture pieces in the Gothic Style steal outright from both the shape and ornamentation of flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings, scaling these down but using the designs and proportions to reflect the architectural aesthetic on the inside of churches and castles.

 

 

As Gothic buildings climbed higher, strong but with a visual delicacy, embellishments became more elaborate, whether to regale God or the local royals. Gargoyles, cherubs and nymphs were placed like stone Easter eggs hidden in the complexity of spires and towers, moving away from monolithic block buildings.

 

 

These made the transition inside too, featuring in alcoves and internal architecture as well as in statuary and other decorative items. Gothic Style developed complexity, though it usually carried a sense of whimsy, typically executed with exquisite craftsmanship.

Stone and oak: the materials of Gothic Style

 

 

The beauty and flow of Gothic Style traces back to the use of negative space, the stone work that’s not there, the cut-out spaces created by strong support elements. Stone was still massive and the construction techniques that permitted openings and archways gave a false impression through their grace.

When it came to furniture making, negative space often featured in heavy wood tables, beds or cabinets, countering the size and weight of a piece with airy pass-throughs and panels.

 

 

The lessons of load bearing, learned through building construction, often translated literally to chairs, sofas and sideboards. The shapes of vaulted ceilings and flying buttresses frequently appear in furniture construction.

 

 

Apart from wrought iron and gilt surfaces, metal didn’t feature prominently in the Gothic period. This was an era when wood and stone found perhaps their greatest refinement as elemental construction materials that could be crafted with style and beauty.

The dark and rich palettes of the Gothic period

 

 

It’s no surprise the natural colours of stone serve as a basis for the Gothic Style palette. Architecturally, the construction material was the finished element. Painting these massive and soaring structures simply wasn’t practical, and with the beauty inherent in the arches and ornaments, colour was deemed unnecessary.

Dark wood featured prominently in furniture design, varnished rather than painted, but often stained to deeper hues than the wood’s natural colour. Imagine an elaborate Gothic bed painted white and much of the impact an drama of the piece evaporates.

 

 

However, with vaulted ceilings and large arched windows, Gothic interiors are inherently brighter than their predecessors. Taking advantage of this, walls of light stone tones bounce light inside to highlight the dark and dramatic furnishings. Light also brings definition to deeper shades, so purples, crimsons and dark blues also incorporate well.

Patterns emerged in this new era of light. Complex wall patterns of paisley and damask deliver the Gothic vibe, often with dark hues of rich colour against light backgrounds. Fabrics and upholstery of the period ranged from economical cotton to silk damasks imported from Italy for the well-to-do.

Gothic Style and its revivals

 

 

Contemporary music, literature and other popular culture abound with Gothic themes, and while the original Gothic period stretched from the 12th to 16th centuries, the late 1800s saw renewed interest in the style, particularly in North America. Neo-Gothic, Gothic Revival and Italianate styles emerged, drawing from many of the identifiable elements of the original period. Changes to construction methods around steel frames meant that Gothic Style elements were now ornamental, rather than essential.

Bringing a touch of the Gothic era to your home may start with a Bram Stoker novel on your coffee table, or it can extend to a statement sofa piece, sideboard or bed frame. Authentic period Gothic pieces are the stuff of museums, so you’ll be looking for reproductions or Gothic Revival antiques. However, the Gothic identity is strong, so creating its flavour shouldn’t be difficult. Unless you’re a fan of contemporary pop culture, avoid vampire and bat themes if you want to stay true to the classic style.

 

 

Incorporating Gothic Style elements with more contemporary ideas is quite possible, since each Gothic piece makes a distinct impression. Even adopting a Gothic palette can add a touch of the style when you’ve chosen another theme upon which to dress your room.

Be careful of going overboard on Goth. Like Maximalism, it’s easy to overdo Gothic Style because of the ornate and busy detailing that many furnishings feature. Your target is elegant, not Addams Family. When you’re looking for a style that goes beyond retro, deep into history, but one that’s anything but old-fashioned, Gothic may be right up your dark alley.

Check out our pinboard for more gothic inspiration.