The Comfort of The Past: Building Styles and Patronage in Oxford and Beyond 1815-2015

This fascinating architectural history examines what people actually wanted in their institutional and private patronage over the last two centuries as opposed to what architects and theorists thought they should want. Cultural and architectural historian Dr Steven Parissien demonstrates how Oxford’s dons and civic leaders have invariably sought comfort in the past when planning new buildings rather than embraced radical and cutting-edge design. The author looks at the architectural environment in which individuals and institutions have worked through the prism of Oxford’s principal building contractor and craft practitioner, Symm & Company.