Decorative paneling from the Palace of Westminster 1840s - 1850s

This is a decorative paneling made by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin for the Palace of Westminster. Crafted from wood, its dark brown color and smooth texture give it a sense of understated elegance. The paneling's visual impact relies on the way the material has been worked. Notice the vertical ribs and subtle gothic arches carved into the surface. These elements speak to a tradition of woodworking that blends skilled handcraft with architectural design. Pugin's design revives a medieval aesthetic, reflecting a longing for pre-industrial values within the heart of British political power. Consider the labor involved in producing such intricate woodwork. While machines may have assisted, skilled hands were crucial for shaping and finishing the panels. Understanding the material and the making process allows us to appreciate Pugin's effort to integrate craft and design, and consider the social values embedded in the artwork. It challenges the hierarchy between decorative and fine art.