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Victorianism refers to the reign of Queen Victoria of England, (1837-1901). The design of this period might be characterized as dynamic, innovative and a general trend away from Classicism. It was a period of technological innovation in building and changes of style, as the consequence of aesthetic and philosophical controversy. Designs were derived mainly from the Baroque and Gothic styles and characterized by the frequent presence of heavy carved ornament and elaborate moldings. Architects and designers of Victorian structures stressed symmetry. Other typical design features included scrolls, fretwork, fans, cut and beveled glass, pediments, cornices, balusters, rosettes, and more. Dynamic variations of color added further to the elaborate visual effects. Advanced woodworking machines and tools, and improved building techniques made the elaborate designs of Victorian architectural features possible and more affordable.
The Victorian styles freed architectural living plans from the rigid symmetry of New England Colonial and Southern Plantation. The many Victorians surviving in the Bay Area attest to their popularity during the late 1800’s, which was a period of exuberant growth.
Most Victorians fall into one of three basic categories: Stick or Eastlake, Queen Anne, and Italianate. Comparing the characteristics of these categories is a good way of learning about Victorian architecture and architecture in general.
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