Art and Architecture During the Reign of George III By Caroline Agid

Thesis George III was crucial to advances in art and architecture in the latter half of the eighteenth century, most significantly in Great Britain, though his impact can be found throughout Britain’s former colonies.

Arguments to Prove Thesis

Quick Biography Born June 4, 1738 at Norfolk House in St. James’s Square. Son of Frederick, Prince of Wales. Grandson of George II. First of Hanoverian Line to be born in England***

Education Tutors William Chambers Lord Bute Art/Architecture as equals to the other disciplines. Books at his disposal Palladio’s Quattro Libri** Royal Collections The Origins of Buildings and Orders

Art Commissions and Collections Art from outside of Great Britain Joseph Smith- British Consul in Venice Grand Tours Art from within Great Britain Thomas Gainsborough British painting styles New State Coach Benjamin West Principal Painter in Ordinary to the King John Shackleton, Allan Ramsay*, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and Sir Thomas Lawrence. Royal Academy of Art 1768

Architecture Commissions William Chambers Richmond Palace (redesign- never executed) Somerset House*- public building Joint Architect to the Board of Works (Nov. 1761) Pavilion for King Christian VII of Denmark Royal Observatory Robert Adam Worked far more extensively for private patrons Joint Architect to the Board of Works (Nov. 1761) Buckingham House remodel

Architecture (continued) John Yenn (Pupil of William Chambers) Clerk of the Works at Buckingham House and Kensington Palace Work at Windsor Castle Influence? Palladio The Idea of Chivalry British Pride Legacy Georgian architecture

Attempts at Architecture Since he had architectural training, George III did draft and study from architecture books. Before he fell ill, his drawings were quite impressive.

Source Analysis

Primary Sources Collections of George III’s architectural drawings Commissioned paintings of Thomas Gainsborough Royal Residences, other buildings

Secondary Sources The Architect King: George III and the Culture of the Enlightenment by David Watkin George III & Queen Charlotte: Patronage, Collecting, and Court Taste Edited by Jane Roberts (specifically the Essay by Jonathan Marsden on patronage and collecting) King George III by John Brooke

Interesting/Surprising Findings King George I and King George II both were art patrons- more than given credit for. Not allowed to use money from Duchy of Cornwall because he was never the son of a reigning king- which is who the money is reserved for. This put a limit on his commissioning budget. George III, at a young age, was actually really talented at drafting.

Influence on Understanding the Monarchy So much focus centered on the political side of his reign Thousands of books given to create a public library- full of art and architecture. Establishment of Royal Academy of Art. Buckingham House/Palace Growth of Britain’s Art and Architecture collection

The End