European Architectural Draughtsmen in Early Eighteenth-Century Britain and Ireland: Training, Methods, Office Practice

Abstract

The thesis examines the careers of Richard Castle and Johann Gottlieb Borlach, two German draughtsmen who joined the architectural practices of Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and James Gibbs in the first half of the eighteenth century. While biographical details of the two remain limited, the research investigates the wider context of their architectural training and the evolving landscape of architectural draughtsmanship in early eighteenth-century Europe. The thesis traces a shift from a system incorporating diverse training routes towards a more academic approach that emphasised professionalisation and the adoption of standardised techniques in the acquisition of architectural knowledge. By comparing a selection of contemporary architectural drawings and the working practices of specific offices, the study reveals that both Castle and Borlach successfully integrated into prominent British architectural circles by adapting their skills to the prevailing conventions. This included mastering the distinctive grey wash style. The research further contributes to a more nuanced understanding of this grey wash style, revealing its evolution beyond the Palladian Office of Works and its adoption by a wider range of architects and draughtsmen. This style, influenced by two-dimensional materials and the visual preferences of the elite, became a defining feature of Palladian architecture in Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, the thesis emphasises the importance of studying drawing practices beyond individual attribution. By examining drawing styles, tools, and techniques across various offices, the research provides insights into the broader trends and influences shaping architectural representation in eighteenth-century Europe. Finally, the study sheds light on the complexities of eighteenth-century architectural history by moving beyond individual narratives and focusing on the collaborative nature of architectural offices and the evolving practices of draughtsmanship. It encourages further research that integrates diverse perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the collective forces that shaped the built environment during this period.