James Wyatt, 1746-1813 - Architect to George III (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art) (The Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art)

This groundbreaking history of James Wyatt (1746-1813) - the most celebrated and prolific English architect of the 18th century - sheds new light on modern architectural and design history by interweaving studies of Wyatt's most famous works with his fascinating life narrative. Superbly covering the complex connections formed by his web of wealthy patrons this study also examines his influence on both his contemporaries and successors.

As we increasingly turn to eclecticism in many areas of design, it is fascinating to see that Wyatt was the first truly eclectic and historicist architect. employing several versions of Classical and Gothic styles with great facility while also experimenting in Egyptian. Tudor. Turkish. and Saxon modes. In fact his pioneering Modern Gothic marked him as an innovator. and his unique neo-Classical designs were influenced by his links with the Midlands Industrial Revolution and his Grand Tour education.