Eimar Watson: The British Marble Industry 1748-1905

Supervisor: Dr Adam Menuge

Research overview:

This research is driven by an interest in nineteenth-century architectural history, particularly the relationship between large estates and new technologies during the Industrial Revolution.

Current research focuses on the production of decorative stones or ‘marbles’ in Britain which experienced a revival in the early nineteenth century. Looking specifically at the extraction and production of decorative stones and how methods and technologies developed with a particular focus on the involvement of the Dukes of Devonshire.

Interest in decorative stones from Britain’s shores was revived in the early nineteenth century, leading to the discovery of new sources. Soon the trade was significant and a nationally important industry was realised. Britain’s decorative stones were used, and can still be seen, in many prominent buildings.

This industry was patronised by the aristocracy, most notably by the Cavendish family, some of whom, especially the 6th Duke of Devonshire, were passionate collectors of decorative stones. As well as collecting stones from further afield, the family exploited their own extensive estates, investing in the industry and ensuring local decorative stones were used liberally throughout their grand houses and estate buildings, and encouraging a fashion for their use which was taken up by leading architects.

Biography:

Eimar is a conservation accredited architect and a 2019 alumna of the University of Cambridge, where she completed an MSt in Building History (with distinction) in the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art. She has worked for architectural firms in the UK and Ireland on a number of prominent buildings for clients including the Royal Household, Historic Royal Palaces and the Parliamentary Estate.