 Petit also advocated originality in new work, building on all earlier styles from the UK and abroad.His position was supported by many but incurred severe criticism from the supporters of Gothic – the Ecclesiologists, and leading architects such as Gilbert Scott, who ultimately were more influential in writing the history of the period.Petit's unique artistic style, capturing the emotional impact of churches and cathedrals individually and in their settings, contributed to his popularity as a speaker, where he exhibited up to 100 watercolours to illustrate his talks.