 Sykes's style, while based upon the study of Raphael and Michelangelo, was thoroughly individual, and characterised by a fine taste and sense of proportion.Whilst Sykes was working on his designs at the V&A he was befriended by a circle of artistic celebrities including artists Frederick Leighton and Seymour Haden, and author Charles Dickens.Even Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were regular visitors to see the progress of his designs for the V&A.