Palladianism – an introduction
Find out more about the classical design style
Palladianism
Plan a visitPalladianism is a classical style, fashionable in Britain between 1715 and 1760, based on the designs of the 16th-century Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (1508 – 80). Palladio had a profound influence on European architecture from the 17th century, reinterpreting the forms and ornament of ancient Roman buildings to create an architecture based on symmetry, proportion and perspective.
Exploring Palladianism
Drawing, measured elevation of a rusticated doorway to the Garden near the Great Theatre at Vicenza by Palladio, Sir William Chambers, about 1755, England. Museum no. E.3235-1934. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Console table for Chiswick House, designed by William Kent, carved by John Boson, about 1727 – 32. England. Museum no. W.14-1971. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Corinthian capital, unknown maker, about 1700, England. Museum no. W.667-1921. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Plan du Jardin & Vue des Maisons de Chiswick, designed and engraved by Jean Rocque, 1736, London, England. Museum no. E.352-1944. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
'The Designs of Inigo Jones and others', plate 38, designed by William Kent, 1743, London, England. Museum no. 20603:5. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The Forster Baby House, palladian-style dolls house, unknown maker, 1720 – 30, England. Museum no. B.38-2017. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Commode, designed by Henry Flitcroft, made by William Hallett, 1740 – 46, London, England. Museum no. W.74:1 to 4-1962. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Bracket of painted and gilded wood, possibly designed by Richard Boyle or William Kent, about 1730, London, England. Museum no. W.1-1988. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Mirror, with barometer and clock shelf, unknown maker, 1730 – 35, London. Museum no. W.44:1 to 4-1927. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Wansted House, plate from Vitruvius Britannicus; or, The British architect, Vol. 1, by Colen Campbell, 1731, London, England. Museum no. L.4058-1961. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
![Photo of 'The Designs of Inigo Jones Consisting of Plans and Elevations for Publick [sic] and Private Buildings', plate 72, drawn by William Kent, 1727, London, England. Museum no. 12957:33. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2019/07/09/14/57/33/fb15da3b-7300-4109-b424-9550f76418d3/320.jpg)
'The Designs of Inigo Jones Consisting of Plans and Elevations for Publick [sic] and Private Buildings', plate 72, drawn by William Kent, 1727, London, England. Museum no. 12957:33. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Ceiling from the drawing room of No. 11, Henrietta Place, London, designed by James Gibbs, about 1727 – 30, London, England. Museum no. W.5-1960. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Engraving, St Martin's-in-the-Fields, by William Henry Toms after Robert West, 1738, England. Museum no. E.1688-1888. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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Background image: Wansted House, plate from Vitruvius Britannicus; or, The British architect, Vol. 1, by Colen Campbell, 1731, London. Museum no. L.4058-1961. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London