Eyecatcher
|
| Croome D'Abitot church was built as an eyecatcher by 'Capability' Brown when he landscaped the park for the 6th Earl of Coventry in the 1750s. |
An eyecatcher (also referred to as eye catcher or eye-catcher) is a decorative structure usually built at a focal point in an English landscape park or on the grounds of a stately home to attract visual attention or otherwise punctuate the vista with a sense of drama.
Eyecatchers are sometimes natural items (such as large stones or tree arrangements) but they can also be buildings constructed in a particular style. These structures often have no specific purpose and in terms of design, they tend to mimic styles that are out of context - both geographically and historically.
Examples include:
- Sham ruins.
- Follies.
- Ornamental bridges.
- Faux temples.
- Conservatories.
- Grottoes.
- Obelisks.
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was an English landscape architect of the 1700s who designed more than 170 parks and came to be celebrated as ‘England’s greatest gardener’. Brown’s style is characterised by the smooth grass of a garden leading straight up to a house, trees scattered in groups, and serpentine lakes formed by small rivers. His designs often included eyecatchers, which were meant to draw the viewer’s eye across the horizon.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
Part of historic Old Courthouse in Cockermouth collapses into river
A section has fallen away and landed in the River Cocker below, including the back walls over three floors, sections of flooring and parts of the roof.
Scaffolding removed from Salisbury Cathedral after 37 years
Starting with a survey in 1986, the 'topping out' ceremony took place 7 Sep 2023.
Demolition of Kirkcaldy’s Category B former Kitty’s nightclub
Following a fire, engineers confirmed that the building faced complete demolition.
Irreplaceable Welsh castle saved from collapse thanks to £2.2m grant
Wales’ Gwrych Castle has a funding lifeline from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) as part of its Covid-19 Response Fund
New interactive models of the ‘Dinosaurs’ sculptures in Crystal Palace Park
Interactive 3D models have been created of the 29 surviving 'dinosaurs' in Palace Park, South London.
How was it built – the Iconic Forth Bridge
The Forth Bridge is one of the engineering wonders of the world. From the Engine Shed HES, find out more about how this incredible structure was built and what the conservation challenges are today.
Stirling’s Christie Clock Tower demolition ‘over safety’ sparks Council investigation
A clock tower which stood in Stirling for 117 years has been controversially and dramatically demolished by the local council over safety fears
The Natural Stone Source Book 2023-24 Specifiers Guide published
This guide is designed to be both inspirational and educational, providing the information and creative stimulation needed for successful completion of a natural stone project.
Context C176 published - World Heritage Sites
The issue explores the diverse facets of conservation of World Heritage Sites from across our globe.
Historic Environment Scotland unveils plans for new Archive House
The innovative project will be an exemplar of reuse and retrofit of an existing building.