Hosted by the Southeast Chapter
As we continue our survey of the work of Sir Edwin Lutyens, this week we visit Castle Drogo outside of the village of Drewsteignton.
The Royal Oak Foundation writes, "Set high above the Teign Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor, Castle Drogo is a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture, built between 1910-1930. Commissioned by the millionaire entrepreneur Julius Drewe and designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the castle is the product of a joint vision which took twenty years to realize. Crafted from local granite, the castle is reminiscent of a stark medieval fortress, complete with battlements, a massive entrance tower with twin octagonal turrets and genuine portcullis. Inside, the interiors appear to have evolved organically through the generations. The Entrance Hall and Library recall the keep in Norman castles, the Dining Room evokes the 17th century and the Drawing Room suggests the Georgian period. These are cleverly unified by Lutyens use of a limited palette and powerful aesthetic.
Despite the austerity of the exteriors, the bedrooms are comfortable and modest in scale with state-of-the-art Edwardian bathrooms. Additional modern services include a custom-built kitchen (currently closed to the public during renovation work), working telephones and electricity generated by hydro-turbines in the valley below.
Castle Drogo is a testament to the brilliance of Lutyens, the skill of the workforce and Drewe’s vision for his home."
Want to visit Castle Drogo? The Lutyens Trust America will lead a Lutyens Intensive study trip to Castle Drogo and the surrounding area in September 2021. For more information visit www.lutyenstrustamerica.com
~The Process~
Reference images will be provided each week for the selected building. Sketch during the week or over the weekend.
Use any media or technique of your choice. Have fun and experiment. All are welcome to participate, especially children and students of any age.
Forward a JPG file of your sketch to [email protected] by Monday noon following the sketch date and we will post to the ICAA Southeast Instagram account on Monday afternoon. Please include your Instagram handle in order to tag your sketch.
Post to your own Instagram account using #icaasoutheast #graphiteandgrits #connectingthroughsketching #lutyensarchitecture #lutyenstrust #lutyenstrustamerica #castledrogo@castledrogont