SIR, 



[ 97 ] 



XVI. Observations on Architecture . 

 To Mr. Tilloch. 



Xt has been observed, that " we are better painters .and 

 worse architects than our neighbours the French ;" but I 

 presume, that, of' our architectural ability, it is difficult to 

 form adequate notions ; because in England many of thebest 

 specimens are distributed about the country, and there- 

 fore too far removed from each qther to form a grand whole ; 

 whereas the contrary is the case in France. There, the go- 

 vernment does every thing, and the individual scarcely any 

 thing ; her architecture is consequently more public. Hence, 

 perhaps, it is that those who visit France, and compare the 

 talents of her architects with our own, forget the praise 

 which is due to England, where almost every thing is done 

 by the individual, and comparatively nothing by the govern- 

 ment. That therefore which is done by him must be some- 

 what limited ; for it is by public works alone that real splen- 

 dour can be exhibited in architecture. Its operations are too 

 expensive for individual accomplishment, and of course be- 

 yond the reach of that patronage which 'is, and has, been, 

 extended to its promotion elsewhere. Is it then to be in- 

 ferred, because there is a poverty of public patronage, that 

 our architects want talent? Certainly not 1 — let them be 

 sure of employ, if they excel in taste, and no comparison 

 tending to raise one art at the expense of another, will be 

 regarded. Whether the present times, which are warm in 

 the patronage of painting, will give rise to more liberal no- 

 tions in architecture, cannot yet be known ; but, at. any rate, 

 there will be found no want of talent in this latter branch of 

 art, if a sufficient stimulus arises adequately -to employ it. 

 But our neighbours say, that " we have no taste for design ;" 

 and they refer our supposed want of it to. national causes. 

 It would be singular indeed if we, who excel in poetry, in 

 painting, and in sculpture, (who even equal the antients in 

 these art;, if originalitij be admitted as the claim to equa- 

 lity,) should in design be defective : — It will naturally be 

 asked, Does it require more abilities to excelin design, than 

 Vol. 32, No. 126. A 7 "^. 180S. G in 



