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William Chambers (architect)
Encyclopedia
Sir William Chambers was a Scottish
architect
, born in Gothenburg
, Sweden
, where his father was a merchant. Between 1740 and 1749 he was employed by the Swedish East India Company
making several voyages to China
where he studied Chinese architecture
and decoration.
Returning to Europe
, he studied architecture in Paris
(with J. F. Blondel
) and spent five years in Italy
. Then, in 1755, he travelled to England
and established an architectural practice in London
. Through a recommendation of the 4th Earl of Bute in 1757 he was appointed architectural tutor to the Prince of Wales, later George III
, and in 1766 also, with Robert Adam
, Architect to the King, this was an unofficial title (not an actual salaried post with the Office of Works). He worked for Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales making fanciful garden buildings at Kew
, and in 1757 he published a book of Chinese designs which had a significant influence on contemporary taste. He developed his Chinese interests further with his 'Dissertation on Oriental Gardening' (1772), a fanciful elaboration of contemporary English ideas about the naturalistic style of gardening in China.
In 1759 his more serious and academic Treatise on Civil Architecture had an influence on builders; it went into several editions and was still being republished in 1826. His influence was transmitted also through a host of younger architects trained as pupils in his office, including Thomas Hardwick Junior (1752–1825) who helped build Somerset House
with him and who wrote a biography of Chambers's life.
He was the major rival of Adam in British Neoclassicism
. Chambers was more international in outlook (his knighthood being originally a Swedish honour) and was influenced by continental neoclassicism (which he in turn influenced) when designing for British clients. A second visit to Paris in 1774 confirmed the French cast to his sober and conservative refined blend of Neoclassicism and Palladian
conventions.
In 1766, Chambers was elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
. From 1761 he held the unofficial post of Joint Architect to the King, he was then promoted to his first official post in the Office of Works
and was from 1769-1782 Comptroller of the King's Works, his final promotion put him in charge, from 1782 being Surveyor-General and Comptroller a post he kept until his death.
On 10 December 1768 the Royal Academy
was founded, Chambers played an important role in the events that lead up to the Academy's foundation, the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Royal Academy 14 December 1768 record 'That some time towards the latter end of November 1768, Mr Chambers waited upon the King and informed him that many artists of reputation together with himself are very desirous of establishing a Society that should more effectively promote the Arts of Design'. He was appointed the Academy's first Treasurer.
Chambers died in London in 1796. He is buried in the Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey
.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
, born in Gothenburg
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden and the fifth-largest in the Nordic countries. Situated on the west coast of Sweden, the city proper has a population of 519,399, with 549,839 in the urban area and total of 937,015 inhabitants in the metropolitan area...
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, where his father was a merchant. Between 1740 and 1749 he was employed by the Swedish East India Company
Swedish East India Company
The Swedish East India Company was founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1731 for the purpose of conducting trade with the Far East...
making several voyages to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
where he studied Chinese architecture
Chinese architecture
Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in East Asia over many centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details...
and decoration.
Returning to Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, he studied architecture in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
(with J. F. Blondel
Jacques-François Blondel
Jacques-François Blondel was a French architect. He was the grandson of François Blondel , whose course of architecture had appeared in four volumes in 1683 -Biography:...
) and spent five years in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. Then, in 1755, he travelled to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and established an architectural practice in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. Through a recommendation of the 4th Earl of Bute in 1757 he was appointed architectural tutor to the Prince of Wales, later George III
George III of the United Kingdom
George III was King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until the union of these two countries on 1 January 1801, after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death...
, and in 1766 also, with Robert Adam
Robert Adam
Robert Adam was a Scottish neoclassical architect, interior designer and furniture designer. He was the son of William Adam , Scotland's foremost architect of the time, and trained under him...
, Architect to the King, this was an unofficial title (not an actual salaried post with the Office of Works). He worked for Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales making fanciful garden buildings at Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to as Kew Gardens, is 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London, England. "The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew" and the brand name "Kew" are also used as umbrella terms for the institution that runs...
, and in 1757 he published a book of Chinese designs which had a significant influence on contemporary taste. He developed his Chinese interests further with his 'Dissertation on Oriental Gardening' (1772), a fanciful elaboration of contemporary English ideas about the naturalistic style of gardening in China.
Somerset House
Somerset House is a large building situated on the south side of the Strand in central London, England, overlooking the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. The central block of the Neoclassical building, the outstanding project of the architect Sir William Chambers, dates from 1776–96. It...
with him and who wrote a biography of Chambers's life.
He was the major rival of Adam in British Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism is the name given to Western movements in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and culture of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome...
. Chambers was more international in outlook (his knighthood being originally a Swedish honour) and was influenced by continental neoclassicism (which he in turn influenced) when designing for British clients. A second visit to Paris in 1774 confirmed the French cast to his sober and conservative refined blend of Neoclassicism and Palladian
Palladian architecture
Palladian architecture is a European style of architecture derived from the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio . The term "Palladian" normally refers to buildings in a style inspired by Palladio's own work; that which is recognised as Palladian architecture today is an evolution of...
conventions.
In 1766, Chambers was elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences or Kungliga Vetenskapsakademien is one of the Royal Academies of Sweden. The Academy is an independent, non-governmental scientific organization which acts to promote the sciences, primarily the natural sciences and mathematics.The Academy was founded on 2...
. From 1761 he held the unofficial post of Joint Architect to the King, he was then promoted to his first official post in the Office of Works
Office of Works
The Office of Works was established in the English Royal household in 1378 to oversee the building of the royal castles and residences. In 1832 it became the Works Department within the Office of Woods, Forests, Land Revenues, Works and Buildings...
and was from 1769-1782 Comptroller of the King's Works, his final promotion put him in charge, from 1782 being Surveyor-General and Comptroller a post he kept until his death.
On 10 December 1768 the Royal Academy
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
was founded, Chambers played an important role in the events that lead up to the Academy's foundation, the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Royal Academy 14 December 1768 record 'That some time towards the latter end of November 1768, Mr Chambers waited upon the King and informed him that many artists of reputation together with himself are very desirous of establishing a Society that should more effectively promote the Arts of Design'. He was appointed the Academy's first Treasurer.
Chambers died in London in 1796. He is buried in the Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
.
Writings
- Designs of Chinese buildings, furniture, dresses, machines, and utensils : to which is annexed a description of their temples, houses, gardens, &c (London) 1757
- Desseins des edifices, meubles, habits, machines, et ustenciles des Chinois ; Auxquels est ajoutée une descr. de leurs temples, de leurs maisons, de leurs jardins, etc. (London) 1757
- A treatise on civil architecture in which the principles of that art are laid down and illustrated by a great number of plates accurately designed and elegantly engraved by the best hands (London) 1759
- Plans, Elevations, Sections and Perspective Views of the Gardens and Buildings at Kew in Surrey (London) 1763
- A dissertation on oriental gardening. (London) 1772
Main works
- RoehamptonRoehamptonRoehampton is a district in south-west London, forming the western end of the London Borough of Wandsworth. It lies between the town of Barnes to the north, Putney to the east and Wimbledon Common to the south. The Richmond Park golf courses are west of the neighbourhood, and just south of these is...
Villa (largely extant including interior ceilings), now called Parkstead House, for William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of BessboroughWilliam Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of BessboroughWilliam Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough PC PC was an Irish and English peer and member of the House of Lords, styled Hon. William Ponsonby from 1723 to 1739 and Viscount Duncannon from 1739 to 1758...
. Also designed two garden temples (one to be re-erected by 2008), similar to those at the Royal Botanic Gardens, KewRoyal Botanic Gardens, KewThe Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to as Kew Gardens, is 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London, England. "The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew" and the brand name "Kew" are also used as umbrella terms for the institution that runs...
.
- Within Kew Gardens, some of his buildings are lost, those remaining being the ten-storey Pagoda, the Orangery, the Ruined Arch, the Temple of Bellona and the Temple of Aeolus.
- The Pagoda, in Pagoda Gardens, Blackheath, LondonBlackheath, LondonBlackheath is a district of South London, England. It is named from the large open public grassland which separates it from Greenwich to the north and Lewisham to the west...
is attributed to Chambers. A three-storey house built as a pavilion (c. 1775) for the Duke and Duchess of BuccleuchHenry Scott, 3rd Duke of BuccleuchHenry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch and 5th Duke of Queensberry KG KT FRSE was a Scottish nobleman and long-time friend of the notable Sir Walter Scott...
, it features a gabled Chinese-style roof with dramatic upturned corners. Caroline of BrunswickCaroline of BrunswickCaroline of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel was the Queen consort of King George IV of the United Kingdom from 29 January 1820 until her death...
lived here after her separation from her husband, the Prince RegentGeorge IV of the United KingdomGeorge IV was the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and also of Hanover from the death of his father, George III, on 29 January 1820 until his own death ten years later...
, in 1799.
- Somerset HouseSomerset HouseSomerset House is a large building situated on the south side of the Strand in central London, England, overlooking the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. The central block of the Neoclassical building, the outstanding project of the architect Sir William Chambers, dates from 1776–96. It...
in London, his most famous building, which absorbed most of his energies over a period of two decades (1776–1796)
- The gilded state coachGold State CoachThe Gold State Coach is an enclosed, eight horse-drawn carriage used by the British Royal Family. It was built in the London workshops of Samuel Butler in 1762 and has been used at the coronation of every British monarch since George IV...
that is still used at coronationCoronation of the British monarchThe coronation of the British monarch is a ceremony in which the monarch of the United Kingdom is formally crowned and invested with regalia...
s.
- Hedsor HouseHedsor HouseHedsor House is a Georgian style mansion in England in the southern most point of Buckinghamshire in the village of Hedsor, Taplow. Perched overlooking the River Thames, a Manor house at Hedsor can be dated back to 1166 when the estate was owned by the de Hedsor Family...
, Buckinghamshire, the seat of Lord Boston, equerry to George III.
- For James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of CharlemontJames Caulfeild, 1st Earl of CharlemontJames Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont KP PC was an Irish statesman.The son of the 3rd Viscount Charlemont, he was born in Dublin, and succeeded his father as 4th Viscount in 1734...
, he designed Charlemont HouseCharlemont HouseCharlemont House was finished in 1763 and designed by William Chambers for James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont. It is a handsome brick fronted mansion on Dublin's Parnell Square. It was bought by the government in 1870 and since 1933 it has housed the Hugh Lane Dublin City Gallery.-External...
and the Casino at MarinoCasino at MarinoThe Casino at Marino, located in Marino, Dublin, Ireland was designed by Scottish architect Sir William Chambers for James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont, starting in the late 1750s and finishing around 1775. It is a small and perfect example of Neo-Classical architecture, situated in the...
, as well as the Chapel and Theatre in Trinity College, DublinTrinity College, DublinTrinity College, Dublin , formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", Extracts from Letters Patent of Elizabeth I, 1592: "...we...found and...
.
- He is also associated with GothicGothic Revival architectureThe Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
additions to Milton AbbeyMilton AbbeyMilton Abbey School is a British independent school in the Dorset countryside. It has 227 pupils in six boarding Houses, called Athelstan, Bancks, Damer, Hambro, Middleton and Tregonwell. Founded in 1954, it welcomes boys from 13 to 16 years and is coeducational in the sixth form.The school has a...
in DorsetDorsetDorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
and the planning of the nearby rural village of Milton AbbasMilton AbbasMilton Abbas is a village in Dorset in the south-west of England, approximately seven miles south-west of the market town of Blandford Forum and 11 miles north-east of Dorchester. The village has a population of 766...
, sometimes considered the first planned settlement in England. This work was carried out in collaboration with landscape gardener Capability BrownCapability BrownLancelot Brown , more commonly known as Capability Brown, was an English landscape architect. He is remembered as "the last of the great English eighteenth-century artists to be accorded his due", and "England's greatest gardener". He designed over 170 parks, many of which still endure...
in 1780 for Joseph DamerJoseph Damer, 1st Earl of DorchesterJoseph Damer, 1st Earl of Dorchester was a wealthy landowner particularly associated with the reshaping of Milton Abbey and the creation of the village of Milton Abbas in Dorset, south-west England....
, the Earl of DorchesterEarl of DorchesterEarl of Dorchester, in the County of Dorset, was a title in the Peerage of Great Britain. It was created in 1792 for Joseph Damer, 1st Baron Milton. He was a politician but is best remembered for the reshaping of Milton Abbey and the creation of the village of Milton Abbas in Dorset...
, who wanted to relocate the existing village further away from his home at the Abbey.
- The Wick HouseThe Wick HouseThe Wick House is a house in Richmond, Greater London, located near the corner of Nightingale Lane and Richmond Hill in Surrey. The painter Sir Joshua Reynolds commissioned the house in 1772.-History:...
, commissioned in 1772 by painter Sir Joshua Reynolds.
London work
- Kew GardensRoyal Botanic Gardens, KewThe Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to as Kew Gardens, is 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London, England. "The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew" and the brand name "Kew" are also used as umbrella terms for the institution that runs...
, Kew, Surrey, various structures: House of Confucius (1749) demolished, Frederick, Prince of Wales Mausoleum (unexecuted), Gallery of Antiquities (1757) demolished, Orangery (1757–61), Temple of Pan (1758) demolished, Temple of Arethusa (1758) demolished, Alhambra (1758) demolished, Garden Seat (1758) demolished, Porter's Lodge (1758) demolished, Stables (1758) demolished, Temple of Victory (1759) demolished, Ruined Arch (1759), Theatre of Augusta (1760) demolished, Temple of Bellona (1760), Menagerie (1760) demolished, Exotic Garden (1760) demolished, Mosque (1761) demolished, Temple of the Sun (1761) demolished, Pagoda (1761–62), Temple of Peace (1763) demolished, Temple of Aeolus (1763), Temple of Solitude (1763) demolished, Palladian Bridge (1763) demolished, Dairy (1773) demolished and alterations to Kew House (demolished) - Leicester House, Leicester SquareLeicester SquareLeicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England. The Square lies within an area bound by Lisle Street, to the north; Charing Cross Road, to the east; Orange Street, to the south; and Whitcomb Street, to the west...
, alterations (1757) demolished - Carlton House, alterations, (1757–61), new porters lodge and remodelled entrance passage (c.1761), later virtually rebuilt (1783-6) by Henry HollandHenry Holland (architect)Henry Holland was an architect to the English nobility. Born in Fulham, London, his father also Henry ran a building firm and he built several of Capability Brown's buildings, although Henry would have learnt a lot from his father about the practicalities of construction it was under Brown that he...
demolished - Richmond House, Whitehall, Gallery, greenhouse, Gate to Privy garden (1759–60) demolished
- Parksted House (now Manresa House), RoehamptonRoehamptonRoehampton is a district in south-west London, forming the western end of the London Borough of Wandsworth. It lies between the town of Barnes to the north, Putney to the east and Wimbledon Common to the south. The Richmond Park golf courses are west of the neighbourhood, and just south of these is...
(1760) - 47 Leicester Square, Sir Joshua ReynoldsJoshua ReynoldsSir Joshua Reynolds RA FRS FRSA was an influential 18th-century English painter, specialising in portraits and promoting the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was one of the founders and first President of the Royal Academy...
's house, new painting room and gallery (c.1760-2) demolished - Pembroke House, Whitehall, internal decoration (1760) riding house (1773) demolished
- Buckingham PalaceBuckingham PalaceBuckingham Palace, in London, is the principal residence and office of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality...
(then Queen's House), addition of north & south wings, west and east libraries, the octagon library, interior decorations and riding house (1762–68) none of this work survives - Grantham House, Whitehall, alterations (1760s) demolished
- 25 Grosvenor Square, internal alterations (1762) demolished
- Richmond Palace, Richmond, various designs (1762, 1764, 1769, 1775) none executed
- 45 Berkeley SquareBerkeley SquareBerkeley Square is a town square in the West End of London, England, in the City of Westminster. It was originally laid out in the mid 18th century by architect William Kent...
, internal decoration (1763-7) - 13-22, 44-58, Berners Street, (1764–70)
- Gower House, WhitehallWhitehallWhitehall is a road in Westminster, in London, England. It is the main artery running north from Parliament Square, towards Charing Cross at the southern end of Trafalgar Square...
, Chamber's largest town house (1765–74) demolished - German Lutheran Chapel, Savoy PalaceSavoy PalaceThe Savoy Palace was considered the grandest nobleman's residence of medieval London, until it was destroyed in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. It fronted the Strand, on the site of the present Savoy Theatre and the Savoy Hotel that memorialise its name...
, (1766) demolished - 20 Grosvenor SquareGrosvenor SquareGrosvenor Square is a large garden square in the exclusive Mayfair district of London, England. It is the centrepiece of the Mayfair property of the Duke of Westminster, and takes its name from their surname, "Grosvenor".-History:...
, internal alterations (1767) demolished - Observatory, Richmond Gardens, for George III (1768)
- 6 Cheyne WalkCheyne WalkCheyne Walk , is a historic street in Chelsea, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It takes its name from William Lord Cheyne who owned the manor of Chelsea until 1712. Most of the houses were built in the early 18th century. Before the construction in the 19th century of the busy...
, Chelsea (c.1768) - St. James's PalaceSt. James's PalaceSt. James's Palace is one of London's oldest palaces. It is situated in Pall Mall, just north of St. James's Park. Although no sovereign has resided there for almost two centuries, it has remained the official residence of the Sovereign and the most senior royal palace in the UK...
, internal decorations (late 1760s) - 21 Arlington Street, WestminsterWestminsterWestminster is an area of central London, within the City of Westminster, England. It lies on the north bank of the River Thames, southwest of the City of London and southwest of Charing Cross...
(1769) - Milton House, Park Lane (road)Park Lane (road)Park Lane is a major road in the City of Westminster, in Central London.-History:Originally a country lane running north-south along what is now the eastern boundary of Hyde Park, it became a fashionable residential address from the eighteenth century onwards, offering both views across Hyde Park...
, entrance gate and screen (1769–71) demolished - Bedford House, BloomsburyBloomsbury-Places:* Bloomsbury is an area in central London.* Bloomsbury , related local government unit* Bloomsbury, New Jersey, New Jersey, USA* Bloomsbury , listed on the NRHP in Maryland...
, London, alterations and internal decorations (c.1769-c.1772) demolished - 79 PiccadillyPiccadillyPiccadilly is a major street in central London, running from Hyde Park Corner in the west to Piccadilly Circus in the east. It is completely within the city of Westminster. The street is part of the A4 road, London's second most important western artery. St...
, alterations including addition of attic storey (1770–71) demolished - Errington House (later Warwick House), Cleveland Row (1770–71) demolished
- House KnightsbridgeKnightsbridgeKnightsbridge is a road which gives its name to an exclusive district lying to the west of central London. The road runs along the south side of Hyde Park, west from Hyde Park Corner, spanning the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea...
(1770–72) demolished - Wick House, Richmond (1771)
- 3 St. James's SquareSt. James's SquareSt. James's Square is the only square in the exclusive St James's district of the City of Westminster. It has predominantly Georgian and neo-Georgian architecture and a private garden in the centre...
, internal alterations (1771) demolished - The Earl and Countess of Mountrath's tombAlgernon Coote, 6th Earl of MountrathAlgernon Coote, 6th Earl of Mountrath PC , styled The Honourable Algernon Coote until 1720, was an Irish peer who sat as a Member of Parliament in the Parliament of Ireland as well as in the Parliament of Great Britain.Coote was the third son of the 3rd Earl of Mountrath...
, St. John's Chapel, Westminster AbbeyWestminster AbbeyThe Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
(1771) - Melbourne House Piccadilly, (1771–76) converted to the Albany by Henry HollandHenry Holland (architect)Henry Holland was an architect to the English nobility. Born in Fulham, London, his father also Henry ran a building firm and he built several of Capability Brown's buildings, although Henry would have learnt a lot from his father about the practicalities of construction it was under Brown that he...
(1803-4) - Marlborough HouseMarlborough HouseMarlborough House is a mansion in Westminster, London, in Pall Mall just east of St James's Palace. It was built for Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, the favourite and confidante of Queen Anne. The Duchess wanted her new house to be "strong, plain and convenient and good"...
, addition of attic and internal alterations including new chimney-piece in the state drawing room (1771–74) - 14 Cecil Street, interior work (c.1772)
- 62 Curzon Street (1773)
- 15 George Street,internal alterations and Doric porch (1774)
- 51 Grosvenor Street, alterations (1774-5)
- Somerset HouseSomerset HouseSomerset House is a large building situated on the south side of the Strand in central London, England, overlooking the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. The central block of the Neoclassical building, the outstanding project of the architect Sir William Chambers, dates from 1776–96. It...
, Chamber's magnum opusMagnum opusMagnum opus , from the Latin meaning "great work", refers to the largest, and perhaps the best, greatest, most popular, or most renowned achievement of a writer, artist, or composer.-Related terms:Sometimes the term magnum opus is used to refer to simply "a great work" rather than "the...
(1776–96), the building was unfinished at Chamber's death and continued in (1829–31) under Robert SmirkeRobert Smirke (architect)Sir Robert Smirke was an English architect, one of the leaders of Greek Revival architecture his best known building in that style is the British Museum, though he also designed using other architectural styles...
who added the east wing
England except London
- Goodwood HouseGoodwood HouseGoodwood House is a country house in West Sussex in southern England. It is the seat of the Dukes of Richmond. Several architects have contributed to the design of the house, including James Wyatt. It was the intention to build the house to a unique octagonal layout, but only three of the eight...
, Sussex, South wing of house & stables (1757–60) - Wilton HouseWilton HouseWilton House is an English country house situated at Wilton near Salisbury in Wiltshire. It has been the country seat of the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years....
, Wiltshire, Triumpha lArch, Casina, Rock Bridge, Library, Tennis Court (1757–74) - Duntish Court, Dorset, new house (1760)
- Poston Court, Herfordshire, Casino (1760)
- Newby Park, (now Baldersby Park), BaldersbyBaldersbyBaldersby is a village and civil parish in the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire, England, about west of Thirsk and north east of Ripon on the A61. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 253....
, Yorkshire, alterations to the house, Pheasantry and Menagerie (c.1760) - Peper HarowPeper HarowPeper Harow is a tiny village in south-west Surrey close to the town of Godalming.The whole village is privately owned and access is restricted. The name "Peper Harow" is very unusual and comes from Old English Pipers Hearg meaning, approximately "Pagan Temple".Peper Harrow appears in Domesday Book...
House, Surrey (1760–65) - Osterley ParkOsterley ParkOsterley Park is a mansion set in a large park of the same name. It is in the London Borough of Hounslow, part of the western suburbs of London. When the house was built it was surrounded by rural countryside. It was one of a group of large houses close to London which served as country retreats...
, Middlesex, north front and gallery (1761) the rest of the house by Robert AdamRobert AdamRobert Adam was a Scottish neoclassical architect, interior designer and furniture designer. He was the son of William Adam , Scotland's foremost architect of the time, and trained under him... - Beechwood, Hertfordshire, Dining Room (1761)
- The Hyde, near IngatestoneIngatestoneIngatestone is a small town in Essex, England, with a population of about 4500 people. To the immediate north lies the village of Fryerning, and the two form the civil parish of Ingatestone and Fryerning....
, Essex, hall and staircase (1761) - The Hoo, Herfordshire, alterations and interior decoration, bridge, temple, gateway, stables, boat house & gate piers (c.1762)
- Temple of Romulus and Remus, Coleby Hall, Coleby, North KestevenColeby, North KestevenColeby is a village and civil parish in the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. It lies on the A607 approximately south of Lincoln....
, Lincolnshire (1762) - Styche Hall, ShropshireShropshireShropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. It borders Wales to the west...
new house and stables (1762–66) - Walcot House, ShropshireShropshireShropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. It borders Wales to the west...
, remodelling (1764-7) - Teddington Grove, Middlesex, new house, greenhouse and temple (c.1765)
- Whitton Place, Middlesex, Mausoleum, redecoration of house, Roman Bathhouse, Greenhouse, Temple of Aesculapius (1765–90)
- Completion of John VardyJohn VardyJohn Vardy was an English architect attached to the Royal Office of Works from 1736. He was a close follower of the neo-Palladian architect William Kent....
's House for Andrew Drummond (Vardy had died), StanmoreStanmoreStanmore is a suburban area of the London Borough of Harrow, in northwest London. It is situated northwest of Charing Cross. The area is home to Stanmore Hill, one of the highest points of London, high.-Toponymy:...
, Middlesex, (1765–70) - Houghton HouseHoughton HouseHoughton House is a ruined house located near Houghton Conquest in Bedfordshire, on the ridge just north of Ampthill, and about 8 miles south of Bedford. It is a Grade I listed building....
, Houghton ConquestHoughton ConquestHoughton Conquest is a village and civil parish located in the Central Bedfordshire district of Bedfordshire, England. The parish also includes the hamlet of How End.-History:...
, Bedfordshire, restoration and alterations (1765) now a ruin - Kirkleatham Hall, KirkleathamKirkleathamKirkleatham is a village in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland and the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. It is located approximately north/northwest of Guisborough, and south of Redcar. It is near the mouth of the River Tees...
, Yorkshire, the gallery (c.1765) - Woodstock Town Hall, Woodstock, OxfordshireWoodstock, OxfordshireWoodstock is a small town northwest of Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. It is the location of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Winston Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace in 1874 and is buried in the nearby village of Bladon....
(1766) - Blenheim PalaceBlenheim PalaceBlenheim Palace is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, residence of the dukes of Marlborough. It is the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. The palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between...
, Oxfordshire, Internal decorations, furniture, gateway to kitchen garden, Blagdon Bridge, Temple of Diana, Temple of Flora, Flower Garden, erection of BerniniGian Lorenzo BerniniGian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian artist who worked principally in Rome. He was the leading sculptor of his age and also a prominent architect...
Obelisk (1766–1775) - Monument to Wriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of BedfordWriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of BedfordWriothesley Russell, 2nd Duke of Bedford KG was the son of William Russell, Lord Russell and his wife Lady Rachel Wriothesley...
, St. Michael's Church CheniesCheniesChenies is a village in the very eastern part of south Buckinghamshire, England, near the border with Hertfordshire. It is situated to the east of Chesham and the Chalfonts. Chenies is also a civil parish within Chiltern district....
(1766) - Wrest Park, Bedfordshire, Chinese Pavilion attributed (c.1766)
- Ansley Hall, Ansley, WarwickshireAnsley, WarwickshireAnsley is a village and civil parish in the North Warwickshire district of Warwickshire, England. The parish includes Ansley Common, Ansley Hall, Birchley Heath, and formerly Ansley Hall Colliery. The village is just to the west of Nuneaton, and near Arley, Astley and Church End.Ansley Parish...
Chinese temple (1767) - Barton Hall, Norfolk, Library (1767)
- Terling PlaceTerling PlaceTerling Place is the Georgian family seat of Baron Rayleigh and the largest house in the village of Terling. It was built between 1772 and 1777 to the designs of John Johnson. The wings, a new porch, a two-storey Saloon and a Library were added between 1818 and 1824...
, Essex, work of unknown nature (1767-8) - Woburn AbbeyWoburn AbbeyWoburn Abbey , near Woburn, Bedfordshire, England, is a country house, the seat of the Duke of Bedford and the location of the Woburn Safari Park.- Pre-20th century :...
, Bedfordshire, South wing, including Eating Room and Library and Basin Bridge (1767–72) - Cobham HallCobham HallCobham Hall is a country house in Cobham, Kent, England. There has been a manor house on the site since the 12th century. The current building consists of a pair of Tudor wings built for William Brooke, 10th Baron Cobham in the 16th century and a later classical central block, and a kitchen court...
, Kent, new rooms in south wing including the library, raising of attic (c.1767-70) - Southill House, Southill, BedfordshireSouthill, BedfordshireSouthill is a village and civil parish in Bedfordshire, England, about from Biggleswade.The principal residence, Southill Park, was formerly the home of the Viscounts Torrington, but was bought at the end of the 18th century by Samuel Whitbread....
, alterations (c.1768) the house was later rebuilt by Henry Holland - Ampthill Park, AmpthillAmpthillAmpthill is a small town and civil parish in Bedfordshire, England, between Bedford and Luton, with a population of about 6,000. It is administered by Central Bedfordshire Council. A regular market has taken place on Thursdays for centuries.-History:...
, Bedfordshire, addition of wings and redecoration of the interiors (1768–72) - Milton Abbey, new house, porter's lodge and west front of Abbey church, uniquely for Chambers all in Gothic revivalGothic Revival architectureThe Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
style - New House, Woodstock, OxfordshireWoodstock, OxfordshireWoodstock is a small town northwest of Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. It is the location of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Winston Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace in 1874 and is buried in the nearby village of Bladon....
(c.1769) - Danson HouseDanson HouseDanson House is a Georgian mansion at the centre of Danson Park, to the west of Bexleyheath in the London Borough of Bexley, south-east London.-18th Century:...
, Kent, internal alterations including new chimney-pieces, the Temple and 'Palladio Bridge' (late 1760s-1770) - Tottenham HouseTottenham HouseTottenham House is a large Grade I listed country house at Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, England.-History:The house, which has more than one hundred rooms, stands in Savernake Forest and belongs to the Marquess of Ailesbury...
, Wiltshire, work of unknown character (1770–76) - Milton HallMilton HallMilton Hall is the largest private house in Cambridgeshire, England, and formerly a part of Northamptonshire. It dates from 1594, being the historical home of the Fitzwilliam family, and is situated in an extensive park in which some original oak trees from an earlier Tudor Deer Park...
, Cambridgeshire, alterations and interior decoration and garden temples (1770–76) - Trinity House Chapel, Kingston upon HullKingston upon HullKingston upon Hull , usually referred to as Hull, is a city and unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands on the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary, 25 miles inland from the North Sea. Hull has a resident population of...
(1772) - Amesbury Hall, AmesburyAmesburyAmesbury is a town and civil parish in Wiltshire, England. It is most famous for the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge which is in its parish, and for the discovery of the Amesbury Archer—dubbed the King of Stonehenge in the press—in 2002...
, Wiltshire, Chinese temple (1772) - Theatre Royal, LiverpoolLiverpoolLiverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, Lancashire (1772) demolished - Milton AbbasMilton AbbasMilton Abbas is a village in Dorset in the south-west of England, approximately seven miles south-west of the market town of Blandford Forum and 11 miles north-east of Dorchester. The village has a population of 766...
, estate village for Milton Abbey (1773) - Newburgh PrioryNewburgh PrioryNewburgh Priory is a large house near Coxwold, North Yorkshire, England. Standing on the site of an Augustinian priory, founded in 1145, it is a stately home in a rural setting with views to the Kilburn White Horse in the distance...
, CoxwoldCoxwoldCoxwold is a village and civil parish in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated 18 miles north of York and is where the Rev. Laurence Sterne wrote A Sentimental Journey....
, Yorkshire, alterations (1774) - Hedsor HouseHedsor HouseHedsor House is a Georgian style mansion in England in the southern most point of Buckinghamshire in the village of Hedsor, Taplow. Perched overlooking the River Thames, a Manor house at Hedsor can be dated back to 1166 when the estate was owned by the de Hedsor Family...
, Buckinghamshire (1778)
Ireland
- Casino at MarinoCasino at MarinoThe Casino at Marino, located in Marino, Dublin, Ireland was designed by Scottish architect Sir William Chambers for James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont, starting in the late 1750s and finishing around 1775. It is a small and perfect example of Neo-Classical architecture, situated in the...
, Marino, DublinMarino, DublinMarino is a Northside suburb located in Dublin, Ireland.-Location and access:Marino encompasses the area within the boundaries of Sion Hill Road, Gracepark Road, Philipsburgh Avenue , Malahide Road and Shelmartin Terrace. Marino borders other Northside areas such as Fairview, Donnycarney and...
(1758–76). Garden pavilion for 1st. Earl Charlemont. Open to the public. - Marino House, Marino, Dublin. (1758–75) Alterations and additions to existing country house for 1st. Earl Charlemont. Demolished.
- Marino House, Marino, Dublin. Dragon gates. Relocated from original position.
- Castletown HouseCastletown HouseCastletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland's is a Palladian country house built in 1722 for William Conolly, the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. It formed the centrepiece of a estate...
, (1760) County Kildare, internal alterations of long gallery and other rooms and gate piers for Thomas Connolly. - Slane CastleSlane CastleSlane Castle is located in the town of Slane, within the Boyne Valley of County Meath, Ireland. The castle has been the family home of the Conyngham Marquessate since the 18th century....
, County MeathCounty MeathCounty Meath is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county...
, work of unknown nature (1760s) - Charlemont HouseCharlemont HouseCharlemont House was finished in 1763 and designed by William Chambers for James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont. It is a handsome brick fronted mansion on Dublin's Parnell Square. It was bought by the government in 1870 and since 1933 it has housed the Hugh Lane Dublin City Gallery.-External...
, Rutland (now Parnell) Square, Dublin (1762–75) for 1st. Earl Charlemont. City house. Adapted for use as City Art Gallery. Porch added by others. Rear section demolished. - Headford, Co. Meath. (1765) Unexecuted design for country house with 13 bay garden front.
- Town Hall, Main Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone. Design for steeple.
- Leinster HouseLeinster HouseLeinster House is the name of the building housing the Oireachtas, the national parliament of Ireland.Leinster House was originally the ducal palace of the Dukes of Leinster. Since 1922, it is a complex of buildings, of which the former ducal palace is the core, which house Oireachtas Éireann, its...
, Dublin, redecoration of first floor apartments on garden front (1767) - Hunting lodge, Roxborough Castle, Moy, County Tyrone.(1768) Two unexecuted designs for Lord Charlemont.
- City Hall, Parliament Street, Dublin. (1768–1769). Unsuccessful competition entry.
- Rathfarnham CastleRathfarnham CastleRathfarnham Castle is a 16th century castle in Rathfarnham, South Dublin, Ireland.-Origins:The earlier Anglo-Norman castle which was replaced by the present building was built on lands which were confiscated from the Eustace family of Baltinglass because of their involvement in the Second Desmond...
, County Dublin, refaced 16th. cent. castle, provided with Georgian windows, straight roof parapets with urns and Georgian interiors (1770–71) for Henry, 4th. Viscount Loftus, Later 1st. Earl of Ely. - Lucan House, Lucan, DublinLucan, DublinIn the Irish language, 'Leamhcáin' is translated to 'Lucan', meaning 'Place of the Elm Trees'. The name probably comes from a people that travelled by river, as Lucan is the first place that Elm trees are encountered if travelling inland from the Liffey....
(1773–75) for Agmondisham Vesey. Now Italian Embassy. - Trinity College, College Green, Dublin, East range. ( 1775). Not built.
- Trinity College, College Green, Dublin, College Exam Hall. (1775) In use as exam hall and theatre.
- Trinity College, College Green, Dublin Collegiate chapel (c.1775-1797). In use as chapel.
Scotland
- Dunmore PineappleDunmore PineappleThe Dunmore Pineapple is a folly said to "rank as the most bizarre building in Scotland." It is situated in Dunmore Park, approximately one kilometre northwest of Airth and the same distance south of Dunmore in the Falkirk council area, Scotland...
, Falkirk, attributed (1761) - Duddingston HouseDuddingston HouseDuddingston House is an 18th-century mansion in Edinburgh, Scotland, located west of the village of Duddingston. It was built in the 1760s for James Hamilton, 8th Earl of Abercorn, and was designed by Sir William Chambers...
, DuddingstonDuddingstonDuddingston is a former village in the east of Edinburgh, Scotland, next to Holyrood Park.-Origins and etymology:The estate wherein Duddingston Village now lies was first recorded in lands granted to the Abbot of Kelso Abbey by David I of Scotland between 1136–47, and is described as stretching...
, house, stables and temple (1763–68) - 26 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh (1769)
- Dundas HouseDundas HouseDundas House is located at 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the Registered Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. It is protected as a category A listed building....
, (now Royal Bank of ScotlandRoyal Bank of ScotlandThe Royal Bank of Scotland Group is a British banking and insurance holding company in which the UK Government holds an 84% stake. This stake is held and managed through UK Financial Investments Limited, whose voting rights are limited to 75% in order for the bank to retain its listing on the...
), St Andrew Square, Edinburgh (1771–74)
External links
- William Chambers, A Dissertation on Oriental Gardening (London, 1772)