32 PROCEEDINGS RELATIVE 



That such ought to be the character of the design, there 

 could be no doubt, whatever the style of Architecture might 

 be ; but a question existed as to the style which it might be 

 proper to adopt. On the one hand, an opinion was enter- 

 tained, that Gothic Architecture would be most in conformity 

 with the genius of the place, and with the venerable Ruins 

 contiguous to the new Institution, and entrusted to the care 

 of its Members. On the other hand, a Gothic Museum was 

 represented as an anomaly which it would be impracticable 

 to execute, without at once oflfending good taste, and sacri- 

 ficing the convenience of the Institution ; and it was remarked, 

 that buildings of very different styles, Classical and Gothic, 

 are seen mingled together in our Universities, with an effect 

 neither incongruous nor unpleasing. 



Such a question, it was thought by the Subcommittee, 

 could not be referred to a better judge than Mr. Wilkins; 

 who, whilst he has shown an intimate acquaintance with 

 Grecian Architecture, has been also eminently successful in 

 the Gothic style. Mr. Wilkins's answer was expressed in 

 the following terms : " I am decidedly of opinion that the 

 Architecture should be Grecian : you have such Gothic at 

 York, that any design in the same style must appear trifling." 

 And in a subsequent communication he added : '*I have again 

 and again considered what you have stated with regard to the 

 site ; and I am the more convinced that, in everij point of 

 view, the style of Architecture to be adopted in your Museum 

 must be Grecian ; 1 cannot reconcile the notion of any other 

 style, either to the locality or the purpose of the building'," 



' Mr. Chantrey, whose judgment is of high authority on all subjects of taste, 

 made tbe same objection to a Gothic design, nearly in the same words. 



