James Wyatt

Son of architect and builder, Benjamin Wyatt
A rival of Robert Adam
Worked in the neo-classical and neo-Gothic styles – working closely with his family, particularly his brother Samuel
Between 1762-1768 studied with Antonio Visentini
Was the proposed architect for the Pantheon on Oxford Street, London

The Pantheon

As a result he became a member of the Royal Academy (1785) & a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and acquired many private commissions, being popular with members of Society. At this time he worked on Heaton Hall, Manchester and Packington Hall in Staffordshire.
1776 – was the Surveyor of Westminster Abbey
Was made the Surveyor-General and in 1800 was commissioned to make alterations to Windsor Castle and the palace at Kew (significant because of the extensive use of cast iron)
Because he was so busy with major public projects domestic and private projects became less important. One proposed re-building project for St Chad’s, Shrewsbury offended the committee as a result of his neglect – led to a loss of a number of great commissions (when first approached by a new client was always very interested and enthusiastic but soon lost interest in the ‘trifling’ elements.
Most of his designs lack any individual style – in fact the Adam brothers accused him of plagiarism
Exploited the renewed interest in the medieval – prime examples being Fonthill Abbey and Ashridge
Worked on many cathedral restorations including Salisbury, Hereford and Lichfield
Major country house project was Heaton Hall