OLD COTTAGES AND FARMHOUSES IN SURREY
Photographed by W. Galsworthy Davie

Preface

I AM asked by Mr. Davie and by Mr. Batsford to preface my introduction with an expression of their thanks to the owners or occupiers of cottages or houses who have helped in the making of this book. Every photographer will appreciate the difficulties which have had to be contended with; a good photograph would often have been impossible without the kind offices of those living in the houses. In my own less arduous task the kindnesses I experienced never failed to impress the charm of the buildings more strongly on my mind. A preface gives me the opportunity of recording my respectful admiration for the patience and tenacity with which Mr. Davie - now no longer an active member of the architectural profession - has carried through his undertaking. The present collection of illustrations is one of a series, the previous volumes of which have treated of similar work in other counties. The series originated in Mr. Davie’s beautiful photographs, and it is to these that the publication of this volume is due.

The subject of The old cottage and domestic architecture of South-west Surrey is the title of a work by Mr. Ralph Nevill, a work well known among architects and those interested in domestic architecture. Mr. Nevill collected and preserved records, the value of which is generally recognized. His book was a mine of information to me before this volume was ever contemplated, and it is in no emulative spirit that I have undertaken a further contribution on the subject. The lapse of seventeen years since the last edition of Mr. Neville’s book, and the scope of the subject itself, would be justification, were one needed, for the publication of the collotype plates from these photographs.

Mr. Davie’s experience in the other volumes of this series no doubt made my part lighter than it would otherwise have been. He found several of the buildings illustrated, and drew my attention to some of their details.

Amongst others, my thanks are due to the Rev. Gerald S. Davies, of Godalming, and to Mr. Penfold, of Haslemere, for pointing out interesting examples. Mr. Penfold also kindly lent some of his photographic views, shown in the text, of cottages since disfigured by the hand of the restorer. Mr. George Jack and Mr. A. B. Hayward have supplied me with valuable matter regarding Great Tangley and the Guest House at Lingfield respectively. My brother, Mr. A. Romney Green, of Haslemere, has helped me throughout with criticism and counsel. My notes make no claim to originality of thought or research; the authority for statements of facts are the recognized text-books upon English domestic architecture, and are, as far as I am aware, duly acknowledged…

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