theThesis madeleine ike
Tectonics, Materiality and Decay
“Along the whole length of the hall (and banqueting hall) under the window runs a narrow oak table, blackened with age a relic of the cistercian monks, together with the benches used by them at their meals.” (Savile, 1898).
Lord Savile, who owned Rufford Abbey after its conversion into a manor house, notes the shadows of the past still in existence in his (then) current home.
The materiality of Rufford Abbey as it exists consists of purely decaying and weathered material. The existing brickwork is crumbling and requires infills and extra supports. Stone decorations are seen around the entranceway, and it is assumed that the monastery once held many more stonework that was taken (stolen) during the dissolution of the monasteries under the instruction of King Henry VIII. Lord Savile noted the long burnt oak table that has since been lost. These three materials show a strength in a natural form, especially since the slow natural growth of weathering creeps over the ruins.
oak
brick
sandstone
stolen
crumbling
burnt
decaying brick
weathering
natural growth
The destruction and decay of materiality links with the previously discussed sublime. Crumbling bricks that require support and infill holds an element of tension, both within the walls, and an emotional tension to the observer. The beauty of the weathered ruins is contrasted with an emotional anxiety that results in apprehensive fascination. The decay of the architecture only adds to this experience.
To me it seems, if a single brick crumbles or decays, the result is insignificant. However, once this is repeated multiple times, the resulting emotional effect is incomparably increased.
The bedrock underneath Rufford Abbey is Sandstone; Nottingham Castle Sandstone Formation.