Architecture, Mysticism and Myth

by William Lethaby

(Foreword by Adrian Gilbert)

This remarkable book explains to the novice and professional alike the symbolism that underlies so much of "Classical" architecture. Real architecture is more than the geometry of space, it expresses in material form the myths and archetypes of the human unconscious. The author explores ancient mythology and legend, showing their influence on the design and execution of ancient buildings. Clearly and cleverly written, Architecture, Mysticism and Myth provides a window into what is, for most of us, a closed world — the mysticism inherent in truly great architecture.

William Lethaby occupies an unique position in the history of English architectural ideas. The son of a craftsman, he was born in Barnstaple, Devon, in 1857. He attended the local grammar school and then at the age of fourteen became articled with a local architect, William Lauder. His skill as a draftsman was soon recognised and he won a number of prizes including the R.I.B.A. Soane Medallion and the Pugin Travelling Scholarship.

In 1879 he moved to London and worked for Norman Shaw, one of the most successful architects of the day. He also became friends with William Morris and John Ruskin, leading lights in the new Arts and Crafts Movement. In 1889 he set up his own practice. Designing new buildings was not, however, to be his main occupation. Though an example of his work can be seen in the country church at Brockhampton, Ross-on-Wye, he is better remembered for his writings and for his influence on the development of art education. In this connection he played a prominent part in the founding of both the Arts Workers Guild and the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society. In 1896, when the Central School of Arts and Crafts was opened by the London County Council, he and George Frampton (who soon retired) were appointed as its joint Principals. His role as a shaper of art education continued in 1900 when he became the first Professor of Design at the Royal College of Art.

As well as teaching and writing, he was also passionately interested in the care and preservation of old buildings. For nearly forty years he worked for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and in 1906 was appointed Surveyor of Westminster Abbey with the responsibility for the care of its ancient fabric. We have him to thank that this monument still retains much of its ancient character, though he would probably have been rather concerned at the vigorous cleaning it and so many other London buildings have received in recent years.

Architecture, Mysticism and Myth was his first book and though it was received enthusiastically by the public and was reprinted within a year, the press was less keen. In an age that embraced the ideals of modernity based on abstract notions of progress and evolution, his appeal to a more glorious and mystical past seemed curiously threatening. His book was, however, immensely influential and stimulated the late 19th Century Byzantine Revival, typified by John Francis Bentley's Roman Catholic Cathedral of Westminster. For us today, no longer so enamoured with modernism in architecture, it makes fascinating reading.