Terracotta Façade & Architectural Details

Overview

The Natural History Museum in London stands as a monumental tribute to the natural world, its grandeur immediately apparent through its striking terracotta façade and intricate architectural details. This iconic building, often referred to as a 'cathedral to nature,' captivates visitors long before they step inside. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, its distinctive Victorian Romanesque style, with its warm earthy tones and countless sculpted forms, sets it apart as a true architectural marvel in South Kensington. It's a structure that tells a story, blending scientific purpose with artistic expression through its very fabric.

History & Cultural Background

The genesis of this magnificent building dates back to the mid-19th century when the burgeoning natural history collections of the British Museum outgrew their space. Richard Owen, the then superintendent of natural history collections, passionately advocated for a dedicated building, envisioning a 'cathedral to nature' that would inspire both scientists and the public.

A design competition was launched, initially won by Captain Francis Fowke, who tragically passed away shortly after. Alfred Waterhouse, a relatively lesser-known architect at the time, was then appointed to take on the monumental task. Waterhouse revised Fowke's Italian Renaissance design, opting instead for a German Romanesque style, which he believed better suited the material he intended to use. Construction began in 1873 and was completed in 1881.

The choice of terracotta was revolutionary for its time. Nineteenth-century London suffered from heavy pollution, and Waterhouse believed that fired clay terracotta would be far more resistant to the city's sooty atmosphere than traditional stone, which would quickly blacken and degrade. It also offered a comparatively quicker and more cost-effective way to produce the extensive decorative elements required for Owen's vision, compared to laborious stone carving.

What Makes It Special

What makes the Natural History Museum's façade truly special is its unparalleled use of terracotta, both in quantity and decorative richness. It was one of the first buildings in England, and possibly the world, to be entirely faced with this material.

Every inch of the building teems with intricate details, plants, and all manner of creatures, creating a visual encyclopedia of the natural world. Waterhouse's design masterfully integrated the building's function into its very ornamentation. A unique illustrative scheme sees the west wing adorned with sculptures of living species, while the east wing showcases extinct animals, such as saber-toothed tigers and pterodactyls.

The terracotta itself, varying in shades of yellowish-brown and bluish-gray, contributes to its distinctive aesthetic. The architectural modelling firm Farmer and Brindley, in collaboration with French sculptor Dujardin, brought Waterhouse's detailed sketches to life, with the pieces manufactured by Gibbs and Canning.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The idea of the museum as a 'cathedral to nature' was central to Richard Owen's vision, and Waterhouse meticulously executed this concept. The building's style, reminiscent of a Romanesque cathedral, with its grand arches and soaring towers, truly evokes a sense of reverence for the natural world it houses.

An fascinating detail lies in the columns of the main entrance, which are decoratively based on the bark of fossil trees. Waterhouse's dedication to detail was immense; the museum holds 136 pages of his drawings specifically for the terracotta sculptures, covering flora, insects, fish, lizards, snakes, and both living and extinct animals.

Initially, the interior floors were intended to be tiled with terracotta as well. However, curators found it 'exceedingly unpleasant' to constantly walk on a tile floor, leading to the decision to board them over. This highlights a blend of grand artistic vision with practical, everyday considerations.

The enduring quality of the terracotta, chosen for its resilience against London's harsh Victorian air, is a testament to Waterhouse's foresight. Ongoing conservation and repair efforts ensure that this 'finest terracotta building in the world' continues to inspire new generations.

Visitor Perspective

For any curious traveler, approaching the Natural History Museum is an experience in itself. The sheer scale and decorative richness of the terracotta façade command attention, inviting you to pause and simply gaze upon its magnificent details. It's easy to spend a considerable amount of time before even entering, discovering a new creature or botanical motif with every glance. The feeling is one of wonder, a journey back to a time of immense Victorian ambition and reverence for the natural world. The building doesn't just house specimens; it is a specimen of architectural art, preparing you for the treasures within. It truly is an experience that delights the senses and sparks the imagination, a tangible link to the museum's foundational purpose.