Ruskin was convinced that Gothic architecture was the pinnacle of achievement and beauty in building design. “If it ain’t broke, don’t mend it”, was his general point. His argument was that new styles of architecture were not actually needed – that modern architecture was trying to overcome a problem which didn’t need fixing in the first place. He felt they were not really adding any value. He argued that the technical innovations of architecture, developed since the Renaissance, and in particular, since the Industrial Revolution, were unnecessary.

In his essay of 1849 titled ‘The Seven Lamps of Architecture’, the Victorian art critic and writer John Ruskin set out his architectural beliefs. John Ruskin (8 February 1819 – 20 January 1900) on a walk in the Lake District.

Company accountant’s wishes begin to dictate the character of a company’s products, all for a few savings here and there, and in an attempt to keep products competitive. Increasingly quality (and product lifespan) is usurped in favour of micro economic gains. Quality is often compromised for the sake of cost savings and affordability. Sadly this mindset is becoming increasingly rare. It affects everything we do, from the mouldings we design, the hardwoods we specify, the joints we use, the glues we spread and the way we install. This two pronged approach defines our purpose as a company. And when we make, we do so in such a way that ensures our work will form part of a building’s architectural heritage for centuries. At Artichoke, when we design interiors for period homes, we do so in a way that respects the past whilst allowing families to live in a modern way.

The seven lamps of architecture summary