Publications

Dr Sarah Whittingham has written extensively on architectural and garden history, including articles on the Victorian fern craze for the Victorian Society Journal, National Trust magazine, Country Life and The English Garden.

NEW: The Victorian Fern Craze

Sarah traces the story of Pteridomania, from the invention of the Wardian case, through tales of fern forays, to the creation of verdant ferneries in private homes and gardens. She also reveals the extent of the craze in mainstream Victorian and Edwardian society by describing the incredible variety of public places where it was considered appropriate to erect a fernery. And along the way she introduces some of the authors, nurserymen, designers and colourful characters such as the ‘Itinerant Fern Vendor’, who were associated with fern mania.

Find out how to buy a copy here.

The University of Bristol: A History (2009)

Published as part of the University of Bristol’s centenary celebrations in 2009, this short, illustrated history traces the story of how the organisation progressed from its humble origins to today’s thriving, international enterprise.

Find out how to buy a copy here.

Powerhouses of Provincial Architecture 1837-1914 (2009)

Six chapters drawn from papers presented at the Victorian Society symposium held in January 2008 at the Society of Antiquaries, London, look at how architects with considerable local influence gave a distinctive character to urban landscapes of the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

It includes Sarah’s paper, ‘ “. . . the pride of Bristol, and an enduring monument to the genius of Sir George Herbert Oatley” ’.

Find out how to buy a copy here.

Wills Memorial Building (2003)

‘This is an excellent study that deserves wide circulation . . .’ (The Victorian Society)

‘Sarah Whittingham's guide to the building is exhaustive, entertaining, and highly informative and really is the next best thing to a proper tour.’ (Bristol Evening Post)

‘[the book] is well written, well designed and very well illustrated . . .’ (Bristol Civic Society)

‘This is a beautifully written, lavishly illustrated booklet . . .’ (The Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society)

A few copies are still available to buy in person at the Wills Memorial Building.