| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | Thomas White after James Gandon |
| Published | R. Adam Archt. J. Gandon del. T. White sc. [London, 1765-1771] |
| Dimensions | Images ~175 x 645 mm, Plates ~255 x 675 mm, 565 x 705 mm |
| Notes |
Titled in English and French. A finely engraved pair of architectural views of the north and south fronts of Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, from the Woolfe and Gandon volumes of Vitruvius Britannicus, or, The British Architect. Kedleston was one of the earliest major commissions undertaken by Robert Adam, who oversaw the construction of the house, its interiors, and its gardens for Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Baron Scarsdale, and is one of the finest examples of the Adam style. In addition to the main house, Adam also designed numerous follies and functional buildings for the grounds and gardens. The central rooms of the main house are Roman in style, lit by rooflights rather than windows, and the saloon features a coffered dome and oculus. Vitruvius Britannicus or, the British Architect. Containing the Plans, Elevations, and Sections of the most Regular Buildings both Publick & Private in Great Britain was the first architectural work to emerge from England since John Shute's The First and Chief Groundes of Architecture, which was first printed in 1563. Often regarded as a catalogue of designs, Vitruvius Britannicus contained a number of plans, elevations, and sections of buildings in Great Britain by the most prominent architects of the day, including Inigo Jones and Sir Christopher Wren. The text as well as a great many of the designs were the work of the Scottish architect Colen Campbell, with the first three volumes being published between 1715 and 1725. The success of Vitruvius Britannicus was instrumental in popularising neo-Palladian Architecture in Great Britain and America during the eighteenth century, and was one of the driving forces behind the development of Georgian architecture. The book inspired two significant imitators, both of whom borrowed the title for their own publications. The first, in 1739, was published by Badeslade and Rocque, but featured mostly topographical views. Between 1765 and 1771, the architects Woolfe and Gandon issued their own two volume set as Vitruvius Britannicus Volumes IV and V. In style, their publication was a much closer fit to the Campbell originals, and featured some of the finest examples of architecture to have appeared in the 40 years between the two books. Thomas White (c.1740-1775) was a British engraver and draughtsman, who worked mostly on architectural plates. James Gandon (1743-1823) was a British architect, best known for the many classical and Palladian buildings he designed during the expansion and development of Dublin during the Georgian era. He was the joint author with John Woolfe of volumes 4 and 5 of Vitruvius Britannicus. Colen Campbell (1676-1729) was a Scottish architect and architectural writer, credited as a founder of the Georgian style. He is best known as the author of Vitruvius Britannicus. Condition: Central vertical folds, as issued. Minor time toning to sheets. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £275.00 |
| Stock ID | 50916 |