‘Is it in Pevsner?’: A Short History of the ‘Buildings of …' Series - Charles O'Brien
Feb 4, 2025
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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.
The Pevsner architectural guide series was initiated in 1947 to comprehensively document British architecture across multiple countries and styles.
Nikolaus Pevsner's remarkable methodology combined personal observations with field research, establishing a unique authenticity in architectural literature.
Deep dives
The Origins of the Pevsner Series
The Pevsner architectural guide series originated from a historical context that dates back to the mid-20th century, beginning with Nikolaus Pevsner's desire to document England's architecture in a comprehensive manner. It started with the publication of three slim paperbacks in 1951, covering Cornwall, Middlesex, and Nottinghamshire, and culminated in a significant expansion that included a total of 56 volumes covering not just England but also Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The series distinguished itself by focusing on ecclesiastical, public, and domestic buildings of interest, creating a valuable resource for both scholars and the general public. Pevsner's dedication to delivering accurate and concise architectural descriptions established the guidebooks as a unique literary and scholarly landmark in the appreciation of British architecture.
Nikolaus Pevsner: A Personal Journey
Nikolaus Pevsner was born in Leipzig in 1902 and experienced the profound impact of the First World War on his early life, which shaped his perspective on architecture throughout his career. His first visit to England in 1930 ignited a passion for documenting British art and architecture, emphasizing the perceived shortcomings in English architectural practices compared to continental Europe. Following the rise of the Nazi regime, Pevsner was forced to leave Germany and eventually settled in England, where he continued his work as a scholar and writer. His diverse experiences, from teaching to buying furniture at a London shop, contributed to the breadth of his artistic and architectural insights showcased in the Pevsner series.
The Methodology Behind the Guides
Pevsner’s approach to compiling the guides involved extensive research and fieldwork, with each volume reflecting a meticulous effort to visit numerous sites across various counties. He managed to combine both the personal observations and secondary research derived from existing architectural records, enabling him to cover a wide range of building styles and periods. This methodology emphasized the importance of firsthand experience, as Pevsner famously stated, 'I have myself seen everything that I describe,' creating an unprecedented sense of authenticity in architectural literature. Additionally, collaborative efforts with other authors in later volumes introduced diverse perspectives, enhancing the richness of content and breadth of coverage.
The Evolution and Legacy of the Series
Over time, the Pevsner series underwent several transformations, adapting to changes in architectural scholarship and publishing practices while expanding its geographical scope. The introduction of larger volumes and the shift to modern color photography in the 1980s revitalized the guides, ensuring relevance and accessibility for contemporary audiences. Subsequent revisions allowed for the inclusion of new research and reflections on modern architecture, promoting a dynamic dialogue between past and present. As the series completed its final revisions, it solidified its position as an essential resource for understanding Britain's architectural heritage, demonstrating Pevsner's lasting influence on cultural and historical discourse.
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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