The major preoccupation of design was to find a style that would express Britain's national identity, one that would be appropriate for the new industrial age. Lots of different styles were suggested. The great irony of the 19th century is that the richest, most productive period in Britain's history never produced a style of its own.
One of the main building types that had been created by the industrial revolution was the railway station. These were being built all over the country, but even they used historical styles.
Monkwearmouth Railway Station in Sunderland was designed by Thomas Moore in 1848 [Fig. 1]. It is regarded as one of the best stations in the country, even though it's small and fairly modest. It is an example of pure neo-classicism, but the classical style has been adapted to a modern building type. This station has a sedate elegance that belies its industrial purpose. In fact, the track itself is actually concealed behind a screen of round arches and pilasters.
Fig. 1 Monkwearmouth Railway Station, Sunderland
Newcastle Station is a Classical building in the same tradition, although it is built on a more grandiose scale [Fig. 2]. This was designed by Newcastle's most famous architect, John Dobson. It is the supreme Classical statement of Victorian Newcastle.
Fig. 2 Newcastle Station
A leader of Victorian Classicism was C.R. Cockerall, who designed a series of provincial branches for the Bank of England. The Liverpool branch combines elements of Greek and Roman Classicism [Fig. 3]. It has a Roman rusticated base. The four columns and the arch are in the Roman Triumphal manner, but it has a Greek pediment and Ionic columns.
Fig. 3 Liverpool branch of the Bank of England
A good example of Victorian Classicism is St. George's Hall in Liverpool, which revivals the Parthenon in scale and monumentality [Fig. 4]. This was by a little-known architect called H.L. Elmes, who died as it was being built. The building was completed by C.R. Cockerall.
Fig. 4 St. George's Hall, Liverpool
