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Glossary

Art Deco
Western Avenue, Perivale
An inter-war style of bold simplified patterns and bright colours, often combining self-consciously up-to-date motifs with others derived from non-European or ‘primitive’ art. The name derives from the Exposition Internationale des Arts D
Artisan Mannerism
Derbyshire
Describes the decorative classical architecture of mid-17th-century England, of which master masons and other craftsmen were the chief exponents; so called because of certain affinities with Continental Mannerism. It is looser and more eclectic than the Palladian style of the same period.
Art Nouveau
A European decorative style at its peak c. 1890-1910, marked by swirling ornament derived from natural forms. True Art Nouveau design aimed to be distinct from all previous styles. Compare Free Style.
Arts and Crafts
Tavistock Place
Associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, an important offshoot of the later English Gothic Revival. Not so much a style as an approach to design, it sought truth to materials, high standards of craftsmanship, and an integration of decorative and fine arts, architecture included. Its representative figure is the writer and designer William Morris (1834-96).
Ashlar
Masonry of large blocks wrought to even faces and square edges. Broached ashlar (Scots): scored with parallel lines made by a narrow-pointed chisel (broach). Droved ashlar (Scots): similar but with lines made by a broad chisel.
Ashlar piece
In a timber roof, a short vertical piece connecting inner wall-plate or timber pad to rafter.
Astragal
Classical moulding of semicircular section. Also (Scots) glazing bar between window panes.
Astylar
Norfolk
Of a classical building: with no columns or vertical features.
Atlantes
(lit. Atlas figures): Male figures supporting an entablature; their female counterparts are caryatids.
Atrium (plural: atria)
Open inner court of a house, especially a Roman house; in a multi-storey building, a toplit covered court rising through all storeys.