Buildings seemingly transported from past epochs began to appear during the first half of the 19th century. These were erected in a pure or slightly modified bygone style. Other solutions combined different styles to a greater or lesser degree. Back then, something was said to be “in eclectic forms” or “eclectic in style” (Greek eklektikós, selective).
The accomplishments of German architects are superb neo-Gothic achievements. These include the Evangelical (now Roman Catholic) churches in ul. Fredry (now ul. Zbawiciela; 1866-1869, designed by Fryderyk August Stüler) and ul. Matejki (now ul. św. Anny; 1905-1908, designed by Oskar Hossfeld) in Poznań and Grodzisk Wielkopolski (1902-1905, designed by Ludwig Tiedemann and Erich Riemasch).
Country manors were built in the neo-Gothic style as well. These buildings were initially built in an English style known as Gothic romanticism (or English neo-Gothic). The imposing mansion in Kórnik, a onetime castle converted through the efforts of Tytus Działyński in 1843-1865, is the best known example.
The “French Costume” style became popular for palatial buildings during the 1860s. This was partly a result of contacts with French landowners and partly a reaction against the German neo-Gothic. Gołuchów Castle (Pleszew County), built 1872-1885, is the best known example. Izabela Działyńska née Czartoryska gave instructions that the building erected by the Leszczyński family be made to resemble the castles along the Loire after its 16-17th century extension.
Slavic Style
The Slavic style was promoted and dubbed the “National Costume” after a few years. Erecting buildings with forms reminiscent of Poland’s golden age was deemed patriotic. This sort of criterion lent itself to the baroque style as it was both ornamental and soft, and so shut out any reminders of the age of foreign expansion. Classicism also evoked fond memories in the Grand Duchy of Poznań.
The leading exponent of this school was Roger Sławski (1871-1963), a popular architect who put up manor houses, palaces and churches in Wielkopolska and beyond, and who brilliantly managed to apply “national” forms to specific requirements in a creative way. This architect’s work is evident in the following neoclassical palaces: Sypniewski Palace in Skoraszewice, Gostyń County (1909), Pluciński Palace in Swadzim, Poznań County (before 1910) and Mycielski Palace in Wolsztyn (before 1911).
Farm Buildings
The historical style was also applied to less elegant buildings. The old granary in Brzostków (Jarocin County) was given a neo-Gothic makeover c. 1830 in the style of an old fortress, replete with crenellated corner towers with gaps to shoot through.
