Bringing home the Greeks: Greek revival architecture in the 18th and 19th centuries with Dr Christopher Gribbin

The 18th century saw many architects looking for a less elaborate style of architecture as a reaction against the excesses of Baroque and Rococo designs. At the same time, ancient Greek architecture was becoming better known in Western Europe, thanks to travellers like James Stuart and Nicholas Revett. Their 1762 book, The Antiquities of Athens and Other Monuments of Greece, contained detailed measurements and drawings of Greek ruins. These led to a new interest in Greek architectural designs, which were perfectly suited to architects looking for a style that was monumental but austere.

This talk will explore the principles and key elements of Greek architecture. It will look at how these became popular again from the 18th century as part of “Greek revival” architecture and some of the controversy that caused.

Dr. Christopher Gribbin is a public historian specialising in ancient Greece and Rome and an Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University. He has a particular interest in understanding how people make sense of the world, whether through religion, philosophy, myth, art or architecture. He is passionate about bringing the ancient world to life for modern audiences. He runs the Hellenic Museum Summer School for the general public each January, has recorded podcasts and videos and regularly speaks with community groups. He has worked on creative projects with the ABC and the Hellenic Museum. He has written for the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria and ran the University of Melbourne’s Classics Summer School for 15 years. He also leads tours to Europe with Australians Studying Abroad.

Your ticket includes tea or Market Lane coffee served before the presentation, and time to browse our exclusive range of books, gifts, and homewares at TJC Emporium.

This event is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details. NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our house museum, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This event is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust.

Image: Portico at Northington Grange, Hampshire, England, 2010. Photo: Antony McCallum.