Story: Public, commercial and church architecture

Royal Exchange, London (1st of 2)

Royal Exchange, London

Colonial New Zealand followed British architectural fashions, where two revivalist styles dominated: classical and Gothic. The classical style is highlighted in this view of the Royal Exchange in London. It was designed by the architect Sir William Tite, who based it on the Pantheon in Rome. The main entrance featured an eight-column portico and an impressive high relief (sculpted) pediment. The classical style had become popular from the 1750s, when Greece and Rome's ancient sites and antiquities were 'rediscovered' by British travellers.  

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PA7-18-21

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Ben Schrader, 'Public, commercial and church architecture - Revivalist architecture: 1830s to 1860', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/44749/royal-exchange-london (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Ben Schrader, published 22 Oct 2014