Stuart architecture

Ham House is a stately mansion that was built in 1610. It is an example of early Jacobean architecture.

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Jacobean architecture (1603 - 1625) 3 Carolean architecture (1625 - 1649) 4 Interregnum architecture (1649 - 1660) 5 Restoration architecture (1660 - 1688) 6 William and Mary architecture (1689 - 1702) 7 Queen Anne architecture (1702 - 1714) 8 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] Introduction

Stuart architecture is associated with the reign of the British House of Stuart, which spanned from 1603 to 1714. The period was marked by several political phases, some of which were associated with distinct architectural styles that occurred during the Stuart period. Some historians refer to this era as the golden age of British architecture.

[edit] Jacobean architecture (1603 - 1625)

The most noteworthy architect of this period was Inigo Jones, who was appointed by James I as the Surveyor of the King’s Works in 1615. Influenced by the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio, Jones introduced the style of Palladian architecture to England after a trip he made to Italy in 1613 - 1614, where he had been inspired by the Renaissance architecture flourishing there, in particular the works of Palladio.

Palladian designs were based on the symmetry and perspective of classical architecture, particularly the temples of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. It was characterised by proportions based on mathematics rather than ornament and its classical facades.

Some of the defining features of Palladianism include:

• Corinthian columns.
• Decorative motifs such as masked faces and scallop shells.
• Pediments used over doors and windows, both external and internal.
• Terms – free-standing stones representing the head and upper torso of the Roman god Terminus, on top of a pillar.

See also: Palladian architecture.

Amongst the finest examples of Jones’ work are the Queen’s Chapel at St. James Palace (1623) and the Banqueting House at Whitehall.

Constructed from 1619 - 1622, the Banqueting House was designed by Inigo Jones. It is an example of later Jacobean architecture.

[edit] Carolean architecture (1625 - 1649)

Jones continued his royal role when Charles I came into power. During this period, he completed the Queen’s House at Greenwich and continued his work until the Civil War in 1642. Before his death, he worked on a proposed mansion with one of his young apprentices, Roger Pratt. Sir Roger Pratt would go on to become one of the leading architects in England after the Civil War.

The Queen’s House at Greenwich (1616 - 1635) is an example of Carolean architecture. It was built by Inigo Jones for the queen of King James I.

[edit] Interregnum architecture (1649 - 1660)

Following the English Civil War (1642 - 51), the country endured a prolonged period of austerity when Palladianism went into decline. During this time, Jones’s classical approach to architecture was transformed in the work of his former apprentice, Sir Roger Pratt, as well as John Webb and Hugh May.

Jones and Webb worked on later renovations to the south wing of Wilton House after an extensive fire in 1647 caused considerable damage.

The three became known for the introduction of European influences - particularly Dutch gables and sash and dormer windows - into their transitional designs. This resulted in a gradual shift away from pure classical formality and the evolution of English Baroque architecture.

[edit] Restoration architecture (1660 - 1688)

The House of Stuart returned to power when Charles II was restored as king in 1660. This style continued into the reign of James II (1685 - 1688).

This first period saw the revival of Carolean architecture, particularly after the tragic 1666 fire of London resulted in a building boom in the city. After the fire, new architecture was defined by extravagance and the full flowering of the English Baroque period under the leading architects of the age including another of the King's Surveyor of Works, Sir Christopher Wren. It was during this time that Wren began work on St Paul’s Cathedral (1675 - 1710).

See also Sir Christopher Wren.

Wren's cathedral was the fifth building on the site of Ludgate Hill, the original church having been founded in 604 AD. The fourth, Old St. Paul’s was a huge Gothic cathedral built by the Normans and regarded as one of the masterpieces of medieval Europe, with a tower and spire reaching a height of 489 ft. The old building was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666.

See St Paul's Cathedral.

St. Paul’s (1675 - 1710) was one of more than 50 church commissions that Christopher Wren received in the aftermath of the Great Fire.

One of Wren’s pupil’s, Nicolas Hawksmoor, was another important architect of the period. His work included six London churches (1711 - 1733) as well as several other significant projects.

English Baroque was characterised by dynamic designs and complex architectural plan forms that mixed the repetition, break-up and distortion of Renaissance classical motifs.

Common elements included:

• Columns and colonnades.
• Curves and twists.
• Rich surface treatments.
• Gilded statuary.
• Bright colours.
• Vividly painted ceilings.
• Fragmented or deliberately incomplete elements.
• Large-scale frescoes.
• Dramatic central projections on an external façade.
• Use of plaster or stucco, marble or faux finishing.
• Illusory effects such as trompe l’oeil.

On a more modest scale, the post-fire increase in construction resulted in new homes built according to strict codes. These structures were made from fire resistant materials such as brick and proved to be more durable than previous homebuilding methods.

[edit] William and Mary architecture (1689 - 1702)

Architects during the reign of William III and Mary II (the eldest Protestant child of the deposed James II) continued to embrace the English Baroque style. Important works by Sir Christopher Wren were constructed during the period, including the renovation of Hampton Court Palace.

The renovation of Hampton Court Palace (1689 – 1717) by Wren was halted during the reign of King William after the death of Queen Mary. The work continued with contributions by Sir John Vanbrugh through the reign of Queen Anne.

[edit] Queen Anne architecture (1702 - 1714)

The last Stuart ruler, Queen Anne (sister of Queen Mary) reigned during a period in which architecture continued to be influenced by the ongoing work of Wren. Another important architect of the time was Sir John Vanbrugh. His work, with contributions by Hawksmoor, included Blenheim Palace.

Constructed on behalf of the Dukes of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace (1705 - 1722) was designed by Vanbrugh in the English Baroque stye.

Manor houses and other buildings of the period continued to incorporate elegant Palladian elements with materials of contrasting colours, sweeping staircases, flush sash windows and other decorative flourishes. This style later lent its name to the Queen Anne revival style (1880 - 1910) of the Victorian age.

See Queen Anne style.

--Heidi Schwartz

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• After the Fire: London churches in the age of Wren, Hooke, Hawksmoor and Gibbs.
• Baroque architecture.
• English architectural stylistic periods.
• Palladian architecture.
• Queen Anne style.
• Rustication.
• Sir Christopher Wren.
• St Paul's Cathedral.
• The Livery Halls of the City of London.