Villa at Chiswick House, Chiswick, West London, England; 1729; The Beginning of Classism

Villa at Chiswick House, Chiswick, West London, England; 1729; The Beginning of Classism




                The Chiswick Villa is known for its Neo-Palladian architecture and is located in the heart of west London. The house is currently owned by the National Trust, while the gardens are property of the Hounslow Borough Council (Rich,"The history of the House & Gardens.").
This house was built in 1727 by Richard Boyle the third, Earl of Burlington. He had gone away on the Grand tour and came back inspired by the designs of Palladio. Palladio is known as the architect whom focused on classical architecture of ancient Rome. He was one of the originators known for transforming this 18th century country home. Around this period, Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren were the individuals responsible for beginning this movement, but Lord Burlington was recognized for this in the 18th century (Pound, "A Brief History of Chiswick House & Gardens"). 
            The house and gardens were intended to showcase his artistic collections which reflect classical aesthetic values. However, this roman inspired design was an empty facade and uninhabitable. There were no kitchens nor bathrooms within the structure, therefore the family lived next door in a more functional Jacobean house (Rich, "The history of the House & Gardens.").
            The façade is surfaced with Portland stone and stucco, while the rest of the structure is laid out of bricks. The walls are interrupted only by the porticos and windows. The interior of this villa is more refined and dull of assorted colors (White, 12). These techniques are inspired by Palladio and his view on how the fornt of the structur should be formal versus the interior, which could be informal.The plan is constructed to be centralized and carries out geometric volumes as the rooms of the house. This villa is recognized to be the first domestic building in England to be designed with a central room which served as a connector to all the room which surround it.
            After construction of the villa had been completed, Lord Burlington began to re landscape the surrounding gardens. It was designed to bring a more natural look to country estate. The most significant aspect about this design was that visitors could transition from formal to informal stages. They are recognized as the beginning of the English landscape movement (Pound, "A Brief History of Chiswick House & Gardens"). Based on the neoclassical principles, it was important that all views of the lake were leading somewhere else. 
            There is an intimate serenity along these grounds which make it ideal for open air events hosted annually. Imagine the amazing gatherings which took place in these in the gardens in the 18th century. Both Georgina and the fifth Duke of Devonshire and then the sixth Jude, the Bachelor Duke invited all the grand aristocrats of Europe. Queen Victoria had visited the site multiple times, with celebrations in different costumes and have musicians playing throughout the garden. 
            The Chiswick house and garden are now open to all the local residents.  It serves as an oasis for visitors to take a break from the bustling metropolis, which surrounds them.



       Pound, Ricky. "A Brief History of Chiswick House and Gardens." Pallas Tours and Lectures: Live the Past, www.rickypound.london/chiswick_house_history.html .
       Rich, Lawrence. "The history of the House & Gardens." Chiswick House & Gardens,http://chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/house-gardens/the-house/history-of-the-house
       White, Roger. Chiswick House & Gardens. Historic England Press, 2001.




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