Lecture: Victorian Dreams and Gothic Revival
December 11 @ 18:30 - 19:30
Victorian Dreams and Gothic Revival: The Legacy of the Insole Family and Lasting Influence of Gothic Culture
11th December 2024, 6.30pm
Join Beñat Irurzun for an exploration into the remarkable journey of the James Harvey Insole family as he delves into their rise in wealth and social status during the Victorian era. This lecture will unravel the motives behind the construction of their iconic residence, tying together themes of Victorian domesticity, the obsession with self-betterment, and the influence of Gothic Revival architecture. We will examine how this architectural style reflects a deep yearning for the past, paralleled in the romantic literature of the time, including works by Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley. As we connect these historical threads, we’ll discuss the enduring impact of Gothic aesthetics, from Tim Burton’s films to modern street fashion and goth culture, demonstrating how Victorian ideals continue to shape contemporary design and identity.
Ben Irurzun aka bygoneben, (1990, san sebastian Spain) is an interior designer that has recently become a semi-finalist in the renowned BBC show interior design masters, having showcased his expertise for historical design and costume. With more than 15 years’ experience in the design industry under his belt, ben has worked as a costume designer for film and tv, high end fashion retail and a myriad of other jobs in the 14 years he’s been in UK.
Central saint martins alumni, he’s always fascinated by the past since he was a child, his first love being Egyptology. His expertise lies on the Victorian period, and specifically in the domestic aspect of Victorian design, domesticity and cultural identity.
Victorian Dreams and Gothic Revival: The Legacy of the Insole Family and Lasting Influence of Gothic Culture
11th December 2024, 6.30pm
Join Beñat Irurzun for an exploration into the remarkable journey of the James Harvey Insole family as he delves into their rise in wealth and social status during the Victorian era. This lecture will unravel the motives behind the construction of their iconic residence, tying together themes of Victorian domesticity, the obsession with self-betterment, and the influence of Gothic Revival architecture. We will examine how this architectural style reflects a deep yearning for the past, paralleled in the romantic literature of the time, including works by Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley. As we connect these historical threads, we’ll discuss the enduring impact of Gothic aesthetics, from Tim Burton’s films to modern street fashion and goth culture, demonstrating how Victorian ideals continue to shape contemporary design and identity.
Ben Irurzun aka bygoneben, (1990, san sebastian Spain) is an interior designer that has recently become a semi-finalist in the renowned BBC show interior design masters, having showcased his expertise for historical design and costume. With more than 15 years’ experience in the design industry under his belt, ben has worked as a costume designer for film and tv, high end fashion retail and a myriad of other jobs in the 14 years he’s been in UK.
Central saint martins alumni, he’s always fascinated by the past since he was a child, his first love being Egyptology. His expertise lies on the Victorian period, and specifically in the domestic aspect of Victorian design, domesticity and cultural identity.