Vitruvius Britannicus

The Classic of Eighteenth-Century British Architecture

Colen Campbell

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN: 9780486447995
• eBook ISBN: 9780486139456
• Topic: Architecture
• Subtopic: Architecture General

A consortium of British architects and their patrons rebelled against the early eighteenth century's Baroque excesses and turned instead toward the Renaissance works of Andrea Palladio for inspiration. These Neo-Palladians guided the course of British architecture toward classical principles, and the Vitruvius Britannicus (British Vitruvius) reflects their vision. A sumptuous collection of magnificent copperplate engravings, it depicts great English country houses and public buildings.
Published between 1715 and 1725 in a three-folio set, the Vitruvius Britannicus documents in meticulous detail many of the buildings from the previous two centuries. Its 300 illustrations include facades, ground plans, exterior elevations, and perspective views. Featured buildings include those designed by Inigo Jones, the seventeenth-century architect who introduced Palladianism to England; the work of Sir John Vanbrugh, whose innovative Classical-Revival architecture retained a Baroque flair; and contemporary designs, including those of the author, Scottish architect Colen Campbell.
The popularity of this volume fostered the development of the Neo-Palladian movement, and Vitruvius Britannicus continues to influence architects and designers. Handsome and modestly priced, this new edition is an essential complement to any design library.

TOME III

C. 3, PL. 1

C. 3, PL. 2

A LIST of the SUBSCRIBERS.

Our Sovereign LORD KING GEORGE.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of WALES.
His Royal Highnefs Prince FREDERICK.
His Royal Highnefs the Duke of YORK.

AN EXPLANATION Of ALL the PLATES In the THIRD VOLUME.

Greenwich Hospital in Perspective, p. 3, and 4.

I Have said so much of this noble Structure in my First Volume, that I shall add nothing at present, but to assure the Readers, that the Perspective is raised from the Geometrical Plan and Elevation according to the most exact Rules of that lineary Art.

Castle Howard in Perspective, p. 5, and 6.

THIS Seat being also so fully described in the First Volume, I thought nothing could be further wanting to give a perfect Idea of the Place, but an accurate View of the fame in Perspective.

Ambresbury, p. 7.

IS the Seat of the Right Honourable the Lord Carleton, in Wiltsbire. This House was designed by Inigo Jones, and executed by Mr. Webb. Here is a bold rustick Basement, which supports a regular Loggio of the Composed Order. In one Plate I have given the Plans of the First and Second Story, with the principal Front. The great Stair-cafe is remarkable here for having a little one in the Middle of it. Anno 1661.

Castle Ashby, p. 8.

IN Northamptonsbire, the Seat of the Right Honourable the Earl of Northampton. The greatest Part of the Castle is very antient; but in the Reign of King Charles I. Inigo Jones was imployed to rebuild it, and finish one Front; but the Civil Wars put a Stop to all Arts, 1642. when that valiant Earl was slain at Salt Heath near Stafford. In this Plate I have also given Two Plans, and that Front by Inigo Jones.

Stoke Park, p. 9.

THE Seat of Mr. Arundel in Northamptonsbire. This Building was begun by Inigo Jones ; the Wings, and Collonades, and all the Foundations, were made by him ; but the Front of the House was designed by another Architect, the Civil Wars having also interrupted this Work. In one Plate I have given both a general Plan and Front 1640.

General Wade’s House, p. 10.

IN great Burlington-Street, London. This beautiful Defign is the Invention of the Right Honourable the Earl of Burlington, who is not only a great Patron of all Arts, but the first Architect. His Lordship’s learned Labours in this Art, which are now preparing for the Publick, will give a much juster Idea of his consummate Knowledge in Architecture, than any thing I am capable to fay. In one Plate you have Two Plans, and the principal Front 1724.

Grimsthorpe, p. 11, 12, 13, and 14.

IN Lincolnshire, the Seat of his Grace the Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven. Of this I have made Four Plates, the First is the Plan of the First or principal Story, where all the Apartments are exactly figured. In the Second Plate you have the Front to the Court; in the Third, the Garden Front, adorned with a magnificent Corinthian Portico ; and in the Fourth, you have the West Front the East Front being the fame. All designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Anno 1724.

Eastbury, p. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

IN Dorsetsbire, the Seat of...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• TOME I
• TOME II
• TOME III
• DOVER BOOKS ON ARCHITECTURE