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Thoughts

[edit]

So, to take the specific question first, "is it a credible GAN", yes, it certainly is. I think you've done an excellent job of assembling the coverage from a range of RS, particularly given that, while interesting, Goddards may not be considered among the first rank of Lutyens' works. A quick glance over the criteria shows that it is:

  • Well-written
  • Verifiable with no original research
  • Broad in its coverage:
  • Neutral
  • Stable
  • Illustrated

Obviously, I can't foresee what a reviewer may take issue with, and there's always an element of pot-luck at GAN, but I'd be very surprised if anything major was identified as a stumbling block. One point, Earwig's Copvio Detector is giving a 46.5% with the Landmark Trust PDF, [1]. When you scrutinise the similarities, it's actually mostly quotes/common wordings, but you may be able to prevent any concerns by a bit of re-wording.

‘‘Twas ever thus! KJP1 (talk) 18:06, 11 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

On to specifics:

History
  • Penultimate para. "In the same year, the Halls hosted an exhibition on Lutyens, which helped to revive interest both in the architect's work and in the wider Arts and Crafts movement" - I don't know what Richardson says, but I would have thought the 1981 Hayward Gallery exhibition was more influential in rescuing Lutyens's reputation.
  • Final para. - worth mentioning that you can rent the whole thing, as well as visit, given that you generally can with Landmark properties, [2]?
House
  • First para. "the philosophy of his mentor, Randolph Caldecott", does Hussey really call him "mentor"? Need to check. And now have. Hussey says "one of those mentors...", so I shouldn't quibble, but I will! For me, describing Caldecott as "L's mentor" suggests he was the major influence on/the guiding practitioner for L, which I don't think is true, particularly as he wasn't an architect. I think one of the many interesting things about L was how little he was influenced by his contemporaries, certainly he himself suggested he learnt little from his pupillages. For me, I'd go for something like, "For Goddards, Lutyens followed the philosophy of one of his major early influences, the artist Randolph Caldecott, in creating a traditional country building..."
  • Fifth para. Somewhat surprisingly, Ridley (p=29) states that the original building had no bathrooms, as it was designed to be used only in the summer months. Presumably they had hip baths taken to the bedrooms. Worth a mention?
  • Final para. - "The majority of the oil paintings at Goddards are by Charles Augustus Lutyens", should mention he's ELL's father.
Critical responses
  • To your point on the section itself, I don't think there's anything wrong with having a Reactions section. Plenty of critics have opined on the building. Personally, I might call it Appreciation, as indeed it is in the Randolph Caldecott article, to avoid the negative impression some will take from the word "critical", but actually I think your title will do fine.
  • I think I would include Ian Nairn's strictures, which could follow quite nicely from the Butler/Stewart/Hussey comment. I've only got a reprint of the 1971 Revised, so it would be worth checking the 2022 if you have it available. Something like; the critic Ian Nairn echoed this point in the Surrey volume in the Pevsner Buildings of England series; "a promising asymetrical style ruined by slack elevations and a remarkably unhappy choice of materials..."{p=86}
Notes
  • a - I don't think one can say Chesters was built by RNS, as it's an C. 18th house by Carr. Remodelled, with the splayed wings, certainly. Perhaps, "One of the earliest houses in Britain to have splayed wings is Chesters in Northumberland, which was remodelled by Richard Norman Shaw in 1891."
Bibliography
  • Is Pevsner not credited as an author in the 2022 revised Surrey? Worldcat does, [3].
  • The hard copy of the 2022 edition describes Pevsner as a "founding editor", but doesn't list him as an author. The British Library catalogue says that Pevsner is an "editor" for the 2022 edition, so I have added him using the |editor tags. Mertbiol (talk) 17:19, 11 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]
  • Ridley’s full title is “The Architect and His Wife: A Life of Edwin Lutyens”
Possible additional sources
I think you've done a very effective scrape, and I can't find much to suggest. However:

Very best of luck with it. I think it will make a fine GA. Let me know if anything needs clarifying. KJP1 (talk) 08:08, 11 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks @KJP1: This is a very helpful and highly detailed review. Thank you for giving up a significant chunk of your Sunday to read through the article and to give your thoughts! This really is super feedback – and far more than I could have ever reasonably expected!
I made a quick dash to the local library at lunchtime today, primarily to check the 2022 Pevsner guide. I have made some changes as a result of your feedback (and have also given a few responses above). The three additional sources that you have recommended will probably need a trip to the British Library, which I won't be able to visit for a couple of weeks.
I will nominate for GA now, if only to get the article "in the queue", but will make a few more additions when I'm able to get to London.
Thanks again for your thoughts and I'll let you know how the GA review goes. Best wishes Mertbiol (talk) 17:19, 11 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]
My pleasure - if you have email activated, I could scan the three additional sources, and mail them. KJP1 (talk) 18:00, 11 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]
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