| Contents |
Introduction: evaluations and reassessments of William Kent: a historiography / Susan Weber -- Chronology -- William Kent: a life / John Harris -- The royal court, political culture, and the art of friendship, c.1685-1750 / Clarissa Campbell Orr -- Kent's patrons / Catherine Arbuthnott -- Kent and Italy / Steven Brindle -- Kent the painter / Steven Brindle -- Architectural and ornamental draftsman / John Harris -- Town houses / David Watkin -- From 'gusto' to 'Kentissime': Kent's designs for country houses, villas, and lodges / Julius Bryant -- A note on 'Kent' frames / Julius Bryant -- Kent and the Gothic Revival / Roger White -- Royal commissions / Steven Brindle -- The royal barge / Geoffrey Beard and John Hardy -- Public commissions / Frank Salmon -- Landscape architecture / John Dixon Hunt -- Garden buildings / John Harris -- Kent as book illustrator / Nick Savage -- The well of inspiration: sources for Kent's furniture designs / Susan Weber -- Kent and the Georgian Baroque style in furniture: domestic commissions / Susan Weber -- Kent's metalwork designs / Michael Snodin -- Exempla vertutis: designs for sculpture / Julius Bryant -- The legacy / Tim Knox. |
| Abstract |
"The most versatile British designer of the 18th century, William Kent (1685-1748) created a style for a new nation and monarchy. The scope of his achievements encompasses architecture, palatial interiors, elaborate gardens, and exquisite furniture. Among his creative innovations are bold combinations of elements from Palladian, rococo, and gothic design, anticipating the intermingling of architectural styles we see today. William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain is the first comprehensive exploration of this important designer and his extraordinary creations. An international team of the foremost experts in the field examines the entire spectrum of Kent's oeuvre, including the interiors at Kensington Palace and Houghton Hall. Essays illuminate issues about the authorship of Kent's furniture and metalwork, situate his contributions in relation to architectural discourse, and classify the characteristics of his designs. Copiously illustrated, including many stunning new photographs, this handsome volume celebrates the work and career of one of the most influential figures in the history of architecture and design."-- Provided by publisher. |
| General note | "Published for Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture, New York" -- t.p. |
| General note | Published in conjunction with the exhibition held at Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture, New York, from September 20, 2013 - February 16, 2014 ; Victoria and Albert Museum, London, March 22 - July 13, 2014. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 643-668) and index. |
| LCCN | 2013015143 |
| ISBN | 9780300196184 (hardback) |
| ISBN | 0300196180 (hardback) |
