Not wise to 'throw stones'
MR R S MAUGER writes in vituperative terms in 23 March edition of the Guernsey Press Open Lines page about the 'little box' on the hill at the Eturs crossroads – the latest in a series of similar letters concerning the topic of modern buildings that do not follow the Guernsey character. I wonder if Ray Mauger paused for thought about the finer feelings of the Guernsey family who have invested their hard work and hard-earned resources into this new home and are proud to have self-built it over the last 18 months before he burst into print. The house in question is neither complete nor landscaped, but already the self-appointed 'experts' in Guernsey vernacular architectural and taste are circling overhead.
Readers might like to consider Ray Mauger's own square box, namely, 'Valletta' in Rue des Frieteaux, St Martin's. The readers might conclude this is a modest home, settled squarely in a row of Victorian box terraced houses, painted boldly in orange tango to draw attention to itself. Ray Mauger vocally criticises architectural failings such as box-like design, no contours or shape. I would say all of these 'faults' apply equally to his own house.
The first-floor fenestration is offset and is unsymmetrical and there is a prominent featured dark red painted roof felt repaired bay window. This is a house of its time, probably built around 1910, with a slate roof and chimney but not what one would say is an example of the best of the Guernsey architectural vernacular or of any architectural merit, about which Ray Mauger so fervently opines.
Perhaps before Ray Mauger embarks on any further media critique of all modern buildings, he ought to pause for thought. At one moment in time, his own little box would have been ridiculed as 'modern' or 'out of time'.
I am sure that the owner of the 'little box' in the Castel has worked tirelessly to self-build his new family home. To his credit he has used an award-winning RIBA architect to design it, has used high quality materials and built his home with pride. It's not very nice to have your home held up to ridicule and singled out for contempt in the media. In my view the owner should be praised for his industry and ingenuity and be allowed to finish his dwelling before being prematurely judged and heckled.
Criticising each others' homes through the media seems a divisive pastime and unworthy of this paper's precious column inches. There is perhaps some truth in the old proverb about people in glass houses who should not throw stones. Where will it all end?
C. J. MCHUGH,
Guennola, Rue des Eturs,
Castel, GY5 7DU.
