304 PROGRESS OF DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE 



of the wealthy grew in splendour and in fidelity to theories of 

 architecture expounded in books, with the result that use and 

 convenience were largely subordinated to grandiose effects. On 

 the other hand, richness of architectural thought declined in 

 smaller houses through the stages of dignity and comfort down 

 either to a consistent plainness of character or one only marked 

 by individual caprice. Such caprice, schooled by a study of 

 bygone styles, led to the eclectic imitativeness of the nineteenth 

 century. But the last twenty years have seen many signs of a 

 new beginning. Based upon actual needs, and striving after 

 beautiful expression, domestic architecture is slowly progressing 

 on lines characteristically English. Sooner or later this move- 

 ment will accelerate, and will eventually reach heights as great 

 as those upon which we now look back with admiration and 

 delight. Architecture, like other arts, is immortal ; the qualities 

 of proportion, ornament, and fitness can never long be dis- 

 regarded, for no building is quite complete which is not beautiful 

 to look upon. 



