‘Is it in Pevsner?’: A Short History of the ‘Buildings of …' Series - Charles O'Brien

Feb 4, 2025

Charles O'Brien, Listing and Architectural Research Director at Historic England, dives into the rich history of the 'Buildings of...' series by Nikolaus Pevsner. He discusses Pevsner’s significant contributions to British architecture and his journey from Germany to England. O'Brien emphasizes the crucial role of partnerships in Pevsner's work, particularly highlighting the influence of his wife. The conversation further explores the evolution and challenges of the series, while also reflecting on its legacy and the future of architectural guides, particularly in Ireland.

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ANECDOTE

Lecture Setting

Charles O'Brien began his lecture in Barnard's Inn Hall.
He described the hall's history and architectural features, echoing Pevsner's style.

INSIGHT

Pevsner's Legacy

Nikolaus Pevsner's Buildings of England series became essential for architectural enthusiasts.
The series expanded beyond England to cover Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

ANECDOTE

Pevsner's Early Life

Pevsner, born in Leipzig in 1902, first visited England in 1930.
He fled Nazi Germany and settled in Hampstead, working various jobs.

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London Docklands

Elizabeth Williamson

Middlesex

Michael Robbins

Staffordshire

Walter Bernard Smith

Living in cities

Ralph Tubbs

Nottinghamshire

H. H. Swinnerton

Kent

John Newman

Pioneers of the modern movement

Nikolaus Pevsner

The buildings of England

Nikolaus Pevsner

The "Buildings of England" series, authored by Nikolaus Pevsner, is a comprehensive collection of architectural guides covering the entire country. Each volume delves into the history and architectural styles of a specific county, providing detailed descriptions of significant buildings. The series is renowned for its scholarly approach and detailed descriptions, making it an invaluable resource for architectural historians and enthusiasts. The guides have been instrumental in raising public awareness of architectural heritage and promoting its preservation. The series has undergone several revisions and updates, reflecting changes in architectural understanding and preservation efforts.

Oxfordshire

Jennifer Sherwood

Leicestershire and Rutland

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Bridget Cherry

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

DAVID VEREY

Surrey

Ian Nairn

Southall Minster

null

Nikolaus Pevsner

Survey of London

null

C.R. Ashby

Introduction to Modern Architecture

null

Jim Richards

City of London and Westminster

null

Simon Bradley

Houses

null

Lionel Brett

Lincolnshire

null

John Harris

Hampshire

null

David Lloyd

Manchester

null

Claire Hartwell

Warwickshire

null

Sandra Wedgwood

An Outline of European Architecture

Nikolaus Pevsner

Nikolaus Pevsner's "An Outline of European Architecture" is a comprehensive and influential survey of European architectural history. It covers a vast range of styles and periods, from classical antiquity to the modern era. Pevsner's writing is known for its clarity, precision, and insightful analysis of architectural forms and their historical context. The book is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of architecture. Its detailed descriptions and insightful observations have made it a standard reference work in the field. The book's enduring popularity is a testament to Pevsner's expertise and his ability to make complex architectural concepts accessible to a wider audience.

Watch the Q&A session here: https://youtu.be/LUyFLOUi-D4

This lecture traces the history of this famous series by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, starting from its conception in 1947. It describes the research and writing of the original forty-six volumes for England and the extension of the books to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It then assesses their significance alongside a reflection on the 2024 achievement of the full updating of the English series.

This lecture was recorded by Charles O'Brien on 5th December 2025 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London.

Charles O’Brien FSA is Listing and Architectural Research Director at Historic England. Until 2022 he was the joint Series Editor of the Pevsner Architectural Guides.

He graduated with a degree in History of Art from University College London before joining the series in 1997, where he worked fulltime on the research, writing and editing of the new editions. As author and co-author he has written the revised volumes to East London, Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough,Hampshire and Surrey. He is a former Commissioner of Historic England and former chair of their London Advisory Committee and has served as an adviser to government on local heritage. He is also a liveryman of the Mercers Company and member of their Heritage and Arts Committee

The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/pevsner-buildings

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