Critical engagements with so-called Gothic spaces in fiction is arguably one of many intellectual explorations in the field of Gothic Literature. These literary representations of space may emphasise the semiotic structure of fictional spaces in terms of plot, atmosphere and mood but they also reflect on characteristics and behavioural patterns of the narrative’s protagonists.
Until recently however, less sustained scholarly attention has been paid to the relationship between Gothic architecture and Gothic literature and the architectural style of the Middle Ages as prototype of the Gothic Revival space. In the discipline of art history, on the other hand, a critical focus on Neo-Gothic architecture that highlights design, styles and architectural precursors inhabits a much more prominent role. And yet one could argue that scholarly enquiries into the complexity of spatial structures and effects including the re-contextualised Gothic forms and features as well as the social and performative functions of spaces, especially Gothic Revival interiors and furniture, are yet to emerge.
With the conference “Gothic (Revival) Spaces” we would like to critically engage with the imaginary spaces in literature and the actually built or designed architectural spaces, since there’s little doubt that the evolution of the fictional and the tangible, material Gothic space is closely intertwined. The English writer and antiquarian enthusiast for medieval art Horace Walpole (1717–1797) is best remembered for both the authorship of The Castle of Otranto: A Gothic Story (1764), as well as the creation of his “little Gothic Castle”, Strawberry Hill, regarded as one of the most important manifestations of the Gothic Revival.
Our conference seeks to encourage a transdisciplinary exchange of ideas and inquiries regarding architectural and interior concepts of Gothic Revival space. Addressing the issue of the perception of space, we will consider the particular and distinctive way in which Gothic space can be experienced. However, it also becomes evident that the term “Gothic” might imply symbolical signifiers (such as anxiety, oppression, isolation, disintegration and feudal power) mainly asymmetrical to stylistic connotations (such as lineage, venerability, liberty and national). As a number of studies have demonstrated that Gothic Revival cannot be simply described as the sum of architectural features, an assemblage of pointed arches, stained glass windows, vaults and tracery, it is indispensable to explore the structural order, performance and social role of Gothic space as well as the principles and aesthetic effects of Gothic Revival architecture. The arrangement of furniture and objects within a space as part of its structural layout is to be considered a core element of interior design.
In light of this complex backdrop the conference intends to put an emphasis on domestic space – which in comparison to many ecclesial and public spaces – shows a higher variability of individual concepts.
We invite papers that may include, but are not limited to, the following kind of emphasis:
- Comparing literary and architectural concepts of Gothic domestic spaces
- Relationship between Gothic spacial structure and interiors and interior design
- Liminality of domestic spaces as spaces of collection and representation
- Concepts of historicisation and authenticity
- Process of translating sacred design to domestic gothic design
- Moods and atmosphere of Gothic spaces
- Materiality
- Fictional Gothic space or houses as a metaphor for the subconciousness/metaphoric use of fictional space
- models of domestic architecture in Gothic novels
- Gender specific Gothic spaces
- Gardens and landscapes as an extension of domestic Gothic space
Please email your abstract (300 words) together with your biography of approximately 150 words to Dr. Daniela Roberts (daniela.roberts@uni-wuerzburg.de) and Christina Clausen M.A. (christina.clausen@tu-darmstadt.de), by 15 October 2023. All abstracts must be submitted and presented in German or English.
If funds are available, a travel allowance and accommodation expenses will be granted.