'It gave them individuality,' says executive chairwoman of Nottingham's Civic Society, Hilary Silvester, reflecting on the city's remarkable Victorian and Edwardian architectural flare. "But we seem to have forgotten that," she adds, with architects now typically following the cost-effective and utilitarian designs of present.
But it is perhaps not just urban designers who are turning away from the quirky, decorative prowess of the past. "Do look up," says Ms Silvester, explaining most architectural intrigue sits high above street-level and is only visible to those with wondering, inquisitive eyes.
"It is natural to look where you are going, and in the shop windows when you go past, but if you look up you become aware of the skyline and of the details put there by the Victorians and Edwardians," she said. "They were very good at putting details on their buildings, but traditionally they put them quite high up."
