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 oflPending good taste, and sacri- 
ficins: 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: have again 
and again considered what you have stated with regard to the 
site ; and I am the more convinced that, in everj/ 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 buildingk” 
^ Mr. Chantrey, whose judgment is of high authority on all subjects of taste, 
made the same objection to a Gothic design, nearly in the same words. 
