J. L. Petit

The Reverend John Louis Petit (1801–68) was a greatly talented topographical watercolourist, who was one of the opinion leaders on ecclesiastical architecture, which was a much debated subject in the nineteenth century. Opposing the dogmas of the Gothic Revival he advocated the careful preservation of medieval buildings without any alterating restoration. This was a generation ahead of the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). He also advocated originality in any new work, which developed from earlier styles originating in the UK or elsewhere. He suffered severe criticism from the supporters of Gothic Revival and from leading architects like Gilbert Scott, who were in the end more influential in writing the architectural history of the period. Petit used a specific artistic style that captured the emotional impact of ecclesiastical buildings individually and within their settings, which enhanced his popularity as a speaker. He exhibited up to 100 watercolours when illustrating his talks. Nevertheless the mid-19th Century came to be known as the age of the Gothic Revival, while those in opposition, especially Petit, have been downplayed, even though they were very influential in reducing the potential impact of the Gothicists.