Queen Anne
The Queen Anne style (1880-1910) is the most commonly recognized style in Victorian architecture. It was named by Richard Norman Shaw based, inaccurately, on styles believed to be popular during the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). The style really had more elements of the styles popular during the Elizabethan period.
It became popular in America after it was seen at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1875. Many of the decorative “frills” on this style were made possible by the Industrial Revolution because they could be mass produced.
The key identifying features of this style are its lack of symmetry, highly decorative trims, spindles, towers and steep roofs.
It became popular in America after it was seen at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1875. Many of the decorative “frills” on this style were made possible by the Industrial Revolution because they could be mass produced.
The key identifying features of this style are its lack of symmetry, highly decorative trims, spindles, towers and steep roofs.
Features Include:
- Steep roofs
- Complicated, asymmetrical shape
- Front-facing and/or cross gables
- One-story porch that extends across one or two sides of the building
- Round or square towers
- Walls textured with decorative shingles, half-timbering, or patterned masonry
- Ornamental trim
- Bay windows
- Spindles and turrets
Comparisons with other Victorian-era revivals:
- less “gloomy” than Gothic
- no suggestion of a religious origin
- emphasized vertical lines with steep gables
- lots of angles
- towers and bays, verandahs and niches
- spindle work – possible by the newly invented turning lathe
- windows: casements w/ diamond panes, stained, leaded and etched glass, huge plain panels (machine
- made and readily available)
- COLOR – essential element
- prominent chimneys
- several roof lines: peaked and hipped