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Important Figures in the Word of Architecture, Art, and Design

- William Kent

Born in Yorkshire in the latter part of the 17th century William Kent trained as a landscape and sign painter.  Unfortunately, he was not particularly talented in these areas.  During his ten years studying in Rome he was introduced the high society by Lord Burlington (as Kent also sold artwork to the English aristocracy). 

Burlington was so impressed with Kent's view of the world that he brought him back to London and so started a career designing homes and temples for Burlington and his friends.  An example is the Baroque, Holkham Hall which is Kent designed from scratch (including the furniture) for the Earl of Leicester. Other examples of his impact on the Palladian movement in England can be seen at Horse Guards Parade in London.

It was not as an architect or interior designer that William Kent truly became famous but rather as a landscape gardener.  For him the garden was a canvas and the same principles of light, shade, perspective and colour were important.  Because he was looking for classical results he also incorporated temples and other 'follies' and this is best seen at Stowe in Buckinghamshire where he turned the formal gardens into a more natural view.

Only the gardens at Rousham still remain virtually intact as Kent designed them

Kent died in 1748 leaving behind an important legacy for future generations.