The surprising charms of William Butterfield
sir – Christopher Howse says that the architecture of William Butterfield possessed “inspired strangeness”, according to a later architect, H S Goodhart-Rendel (Sacred Mysteries, April 22).
At first, I had simply associated Butterfield with the worst excrescences of Gothic Revivalism. The more I learn, however, the more I see beyond his occasional ecstasies of gaudiness.
I was struck by some of his work in the Ripon area. In particular, almost all the 19th-century buildings in Baldersby St James – church, vicarage, lychgate, school, cottages – come from his hand. Together they appear understated and very charming. The church interior is spectacular, notwithstanding much the queerest font I have seen.
On a recent visit to St Bees I was shocked to come across Butterfield’s handiwork in the 12th-century priory’s chancel screen: not only the juxtaposition but also its success caused surprise.
Since red sandstone is the major building material in the priory, as in the area, the overall effect was especially harmonious. David Butterfield Queens’ College, Cambridge