Granite in the 18th and 19th Centuries
During the 18th and 19th centuries, granite emerged as a pivotal material in both architecture and the decorative arts, reflecting a period of aesthetic innovation and practical progress. Celebrated for its strength and weather resistance, it became a symbol of durability and permanence.
Architecture and Urban Development
In 18th-century architecture, granite was widely employed in monumental buildings such as banks and government offices, where solidity conveyed authority and stability. Expanding cities also embraced granite for paving, curbs, and public spaces, giving urban centres a sense of order and endurance.
Decorative Arts and Sculpture
Granite’s unique texture and resilience made it a favoured medium for 19th-century sculpture. Outdoor statues, memorials, and civic monuments demonstrated its capacity to withstand the elements while still allowing skilled artisans to achieve fine detail.
Interior Furnishings
Beyond public spaces, granite entered domestic interiors. Polished table tops, fireplaces, and flooring lent luxury and sophistication to high-end homes, where the natural beauty of the stone was celebrated in both large furnishings and smaller decorative items.
Quarrying and Trade
The rise of granite quarrying had lasting economic impact. Centres such as Aberdeen in Scotland became renowned for their stone, exporting it worldwide and cementing granite’s place in both global commerce and cultural heritage.
