One imagines that author and playwright Oscar Wilde actually was seated in a substantial, well-built Georgian conservatory when he penned the opening chapter of his seminal classic “The Portrait of Dorian Gray.” At the start of the book, the author brings us into a well-appointed and lush conservatory. Although Mr. Wilde lived and wrote a century after the ascendancy of Georgian design, he captured the generous and orthodox features common to the tradition of the Georgian period in his published work.
Georgian architecture was the style of the 18th century, especially from the reign of King George I who ascended the throne in 1711, into the reign of King George IV. Design and architecture of the Georgian period naturally flowed from British styling for many decades in advance of the period. However, although Georgian design does maintain a continuation of established British technique, other stylings merged to form the Georgian school.
Georgian design has unique features that draw up both classic Greek and Roman architecture. (Many Greek and Roman ruins were discovered and unearthed during the Georgian period; architects and designers throughout the Empire adopted these ancient arrangements in building and related projects of the time.)
In residential settings, Georgian design was typified. The red brick house, with courses and cornices of white stone and trimmings of white painted woodwork, is perhaps the best-known example of Georgian design still prevalent in the 21st century. With the growing industrialization of many parts of the Empire, most particularly the United Kingdom itself, there was a tremendous demand for the construction of large, gracious residences for those who had found new wealth during this time period.
Simultaneously with the early Georgian period, the conservatory itself was first fashioned by the Dutch as a means of protecting plants from harsh winter weather. In little time, the conservatory was introduced in the British Empire and became a standard fixture in the splendid Georgian manses constructed during the reigns of the four King Georges.
Georgian conservatories have gained in popularity in recent years. While there are some architectural devices that blend easily together, when considering the addition of a Georgian conservatory, this classic design truly works best when being added to a preexisting residence or edifice of the same school.
There is an element of grandeur to a Georgian conservatory. Thus, a person interested in appending a Georgian conservatory will want to understand and appreciate the strength of the design in comparison the existing structure. In the 21st century there remain many architects and designers who maintain a specialty in the Georgian model.