A lot of architecture uses symmetry. It is most important in the Classical style of architecture, based on the ancient buildings of Greece and Rome. The fronts of many Welsh chapels are symmetrical because they were inspired by Classical architecture. Chapels were built in other styles too. Some were so simple that they didn’t really have a named style, and some were Gothic.
If you imagine a line down the middle and the building looks the same on both sides, the architecture is probably from the Classical ‘family’ of styles, such as Greek, Roman, Renaissance or Italianate. Capel Peniel at Tremadog is a good example. It was built in 1810. The columns and wheel window were part of original design but not built until 1849. If you look at the plan of the building, it is symmetrical in layout too. You can find more information about Capel Peniel, including a 3-d fly-through, on the website of Addoldai Cymru.
Task
You will need online access to a whiteboard or other screens.
- Look at http://www.addoldaicymru.org/ and find examples of other chapels in Wales.
- Which chapels have symmetrical fronts?
- Do some have fronts that are nearly symmetrical but not quite?
- Do some have fronts that are not symmetrical at all?
- Use www.coflein.gov.uk to find images of chapels in your area and ask the same questions.
Visit
Possible to visit:
- Capel Peniel and others cared for by Addoldai Cymru can be visited by arrangement.
- There are many chapels to visit in all parts of Wales.