William Kent (1685-1748) was one of the most influential British architects of the 18th century. He was greatly inspired by the Grand Tour, most notably the work of the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio and his Villa Rotunda. Kent was deeply influenced by Palladio’s use of classical Roman architecture and decoration, and he sought to bring these elements into his own work.
Kent was particularly interested in the symbolic decoration of Roman architecture, and he incorporated elements like the Venus-shell into his designs. He also favored the use of classical columns and arches, and he incorporated these features into many of his buildings. Kent’s work was hugely influential, and his designs helped to popularise the use of classical Roman elements in British architecture.
Renowned for his contributions to the fields of architecture, gardening, sculpture, furniture, metalwork, book illustration, theatrical design and costume. He is credited with introducing the Palladian style of architecture and originating the 'natural' style of gardening known as the English land scape garden. Kent's work was significant during the accession of the new Hanoverian Royal Family in 1714, as he played a leading role in establishing a new design aesthetic for this crucial period in British history. His influence helped to define the United Kingdom's artistic style, as wealthy aristocrats looked to Italy for inspiration in renewing and improving society.
He was inspired by the Italian gardens he encountered during the Grand Tour, and he sought to bring the same level of beauty and grandeur to the English land scape. Kent was a master of combining the natural and the man-made, and his gardens are renowned for their beauty and elegance. His work had a major impact on the development of the English land scape.
Kent's life coincided with a major turning point in British history, as the artistic styles of France and the Low Countries fell out of fashion with the Stuart regime. His polymathic abilities allowed him to create a new design aesthetic that would define the United Kingdom. His work was highly regarded by the wealthy aristocrats of the time, who believed that society could be renewed and improved through a new direction in art, architecture and design. Kent's legacy is still felt today, as his contributions to the fields of architecture and gardening continue to inspire designers and architects around the world.
