William kent philosophy feral
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William Kent
English architect, landscape architect, painter and furniture designer of the early 18th century
For other people named William Kent, see William Kent (disambiguation).
William Kent (c. 1685 – 12 April 1748) was an English architect, landscape architect, painter and furniture designer of the early 18th century. He began his career as a painter, and became Principal Painter in Ordinary or court painter, but his real talent was for design in various media.
Kent introduced the Palladian style of architecture into England with the villa at Chiswick House, and also originated the 'natural' style of gardening known as the English landscape garden at Chiswick, Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire, and Rousham House in Oxfordshire. As a landscape gardener he revolutionised the layout of estates, but had limited knowledge of horticulture.
He complemented his houses and gardens with stately furniture for major buildings including Hampton Court Palace, Chiswick House, Devonshire House and Rousham.
Early life
Kent was born in Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshir
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William Kent (1685 – 1748) was the leading architect and designer of early Georgian Britain. Credited as having introduced the Palladian style of architecture into England and originating the 'natural' style of gardening known as the English landscape garden, Kent was a polymath, who also turned his hand to designing sculpture, furniture, metalwork, book illustration, theatrical design and costume.
Kent's life coincided with a major turning point in British history – the accession of the new Hanoverian Royal Family in 1714. He played a leading role in establishing a new design aesthetic for this crucial period when Britain defined itself as a new nation.
Kentino: the 'Signor' in Italy
Kent was originally from Bridlington in Yorkshire, but like many of his contemporaries was drawn by the allure of Italy. From 1709 to 1719 he studied in Rome, copying Old Master paintings and learning the techniques of etching and engraving. He travelled throughout Italy where he met important figures such as Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington. Lord Burlington would become his best-
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(bapt. Bridlington, Yorkshire, 1 Jan. 1686; d London, 12 Apr. 1748). English architect, designer, landscape gardener, and painter, the most versatile British artist of his time. He began his career as a painter and spent a decade (1709–19) in Italy, mainly Rome, where in 1717 he painted a ceiling in the church of S. Giuliano dei Fiamminghi (offering to work without payment for the chance to establish his reputation). As a guide and art dealer for Englishmen on the Grand Tour he met the architect and patron Lord Burlington, with whom he returned to London in 1719. From then until Kent's death in 1748 the two were inseparable partners. Initially Kent was employed mainly as a decorative painter (notably at Burlington House and Kensington Palace, both in London), but his talent in this field was described by Horace Walpole as ‘below mediocrity’ and he turned increasingly to architecture and design.
His biggest architectural commission was Holkham Hall, Norfolk, begun in 1734 for the 1st Earl of Leic
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