Fourth edition of the first of Robinson's six pattern-books.

Fourth edition of the first of Robinson's six pattern-books.

Peter Frederick Robinson (1776-1858) was a very successful architect as well as a prolific writer on architectural styles. As a practitioner he is best remembered for his designs for the Egyptian Hall at Piccadilly and the Swiss Cottage in Regent's Park. A founder of the Institute of British Architects, Robinson, with Charles Barry and J.B. Papworth, was one of its first three vice-presidents.

In his quest to elevate the humblest structure to the level of the picturesque, Robinson studied often-overlooked structures such as rural dwellings, dairies, out-buildings and so on. He held the view that the picturesque was a quality in the landscape which elevated the lives of those who lived in it, whether they were labourers or the landed gentry. Robinson's present study of cottages, which present twenty designs in plan, elevation and charmingly-rendered perspective, had quite an impact, even here in Australia, where the picturesque cottage orné became a popular style and his pattern-books would have been a useful resource. James Broadbent mentions the influence of Robinson, in particular on Conrad Martens's design of Rockleigh Grange, North Sydney.